The Evansville Redevelopment Commission has hired John Kish as project director for the new Downtown Arena development. He will be responsible for implementation of the recommendations made by the Roberts Stadium Advisory Board and City Council to construct a new 11,000 seat multi-purpose arena. Most recently, Kish was executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority where he was responsible for the new $1.1 billion airport.

 Indy Airport Executive to Oversee Evansville Arena Project

 The Evansville Redevelopment Commission this morning approved the hiring of John J. Kish as Project Director for the new Downtown Arena development. As Project Director, Kish will be responsible for further development and implementation of the recommendations made by the Roberts Stadium Advisory Board and City Council to construct a new 11,000 seat multi-purpose arena downtown. Kish will report to the Redevelopment Commission and the City Administration.

“The hiring of John Kish as Project Director shows how committed we are to constructing a top notch facility. The scope and success of previous projects managed by John speak for themselves,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “With the support and enthusiasm of this community, John will help us build a new arena that will be competitive with any other in the region and a great asset for Evansville, and do so within the financial constraints that we have established.”

Most recently, Kish was Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority where he was responsible for the $1.1 billion Midfield Project which created a new passenger complex at the Indianapolis International Airport. Kish was responsible for all aspects of the Project including design and construction, the hiring of all Project staff, development of financial controls and budget activities, and the development and implementation of a financing plan. The Project was completed on time and on budget, with the new terminal opening on November 11, 2008.

“I am honored that the City of Evansville has selected me to oversee the construction of its downtown arena. It is an exciting project that holds great promise for the City and its residents,” said John J. Kish. “The benefits of this arena, from civic to economic, will be felt throughout this community. I look forward to working with City leaders and local businesses as we undertake this important development for Evansville’s future.”

Prior to the Midfield Project, Kish was appointed by then Governor Evan Bayh to be Executive Director of the White River State Park Development Commission. Kish’s mission was to develop an urban state park in a former industrial area along the banks of the White River in downtown Indianapolis. The Park is now home to the Indiana State Museum, an IMAX theatre, and other attractions as well as significant urban park area.

Kish also served as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration where he was responsible for state procurement and public works projects including the construction of the Indiana Government Center complex in Indianapolis and the Wabash Valley Correctional Institution.

Prior to joining state government in 1989, Kish was with General Motors Corporation where he handled government contract matters, business litigation and construction matters.

Kish, a native of Hammond, Indiana, is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Law and Indiana University – Bloomington. He is married and has three children.

Source: Source: Inside INdiana Business & The City of Evansville