AUGUSTA — The City Council unanimously has approved the appointment of Earl Kingsbury as the Augusta Civic Center’s new director.
Kingsbury, the former assistant and until Thursday the civic center’s interim director, was City Manager William Bridgeo’s choice to take over at the city-owned facility. City councilors, in an 8-0 vote, confirmed that appointment Thursday.
“When I see you at the civic center, you’re always on top of things. You always have a smile on your face. You’re always trying to work hard for the city of Augusta,” at-large Councilor Jeffrey Bilodeau said to Kingsbury before the vote. “It’s a great honor to have you up there.”
Kingsbury, 52, has lived in Augusta for 27 years. He was hired as major events coordinator in 2008 and promoted to assistant director in 2013.
He’ll be paid an annual salary of about $74,000, according to Bridgeo.
Kingsbury’s wife, Lorraine, is a teacher in Vassalboro. His son, Kevin, 19, is a student at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Kingsbury will succeed Dana Colwill, who stepped down July 16 after 19 years at the entertainment, sports, convention and meeting center.
“Since I was a child, the Augusta Civic Center always stood out to me,” Kingsbury said. “It’s a great place. I honestly think it is the greatest event venue in the state of Maine. To be able to direct that facility is an honor. The city of Augusta has been very good to me and my family, and that’s what I’d like to give back.”
Mayor David Rollins said that because so many people attend events at the city-owned civic center, the facility’s staff members are the city’s biggest ambassadors.
“You folks receive and entertain people from all over New England, and the vast majority overwhelmingly leave the city of Augusta with a positive image,” Rollins said to Kingsbury. “I know we’re in good hands, turning that responsibility over to you. I have full confidence that ambassadorship will be well-guided.”
Bridgeo said the city conducted a nationwide search for a director before concluding Kingsbury was the best choice for the job.
Keith Edwards — 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @kedwardskj
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