Sports and Exhibition Authority announces new executive director

Aaron Waller, a former vice president of the Washington Commanders football team, will serve as executive director of the Sports and Exhibition Authority, officials announced Thursday.

The hiring follows a national search to replace former executive director Mary Conturo, who announced in January that she would leave the post.

The SEA board is expected to formalize Waller’s appointment to the position at its Thursday meeting.

“We look forward to Aaron advancing the SEA mission of working together with our region’s sports teams and tourists attractions,” said State Sen. Wayne Fontana, who serves as board chair.

Fontana said Conturo “positioned and primed the authority for an exciting future.”

The SEA owns and leases PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium and PPG Paints Arena and operates the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, as well as owning two parking facilities, riverfront parks and co-owning the Lower Hill District redevelopment site. The Stadium Authority owns surface lots and two parking garages on the North Shore.

Waller currently is the capital improvement program budget manager for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, where he manages a work program of over $600 million. He previously worked with Convoke as vice president of operations.

He spent 11 years as the vice president of administration and operations with the Washington Commanders football team.

Waller has worked in business planning, finance and operations and project management.

“Aaron quickly rose to the top of the candidates and impressed the members of the SEA board along with county and city administration,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said. “We are excited about his energy, experience and knowledge and look forward to seeing what he brings to the organization.”

Waller earned an MBA from Clark Atlanta University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. He has participated in continuing education programs at Stanford University and Indiana University.

“Aaron Waller brings a wealth of experience to this role, and I believe he is poised to do great things with the SEA,” Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said. “We look forward to working with him to build a strong and thriving Pittsburgh for all of us.”

Conturo will remain with the SEA through a transitional period to help Waller acclimate to his new role. Waller is slated to assume the position Monday and will be responsible for leading the agency in developing and managing sports, entertainment, recreational and convention venues to benefit the region’s economy and quality of life.