Dane County Executive Parisi Names Sharon Corrigan as Interim Director of Alliant Energy Center

January 24, 2020
Ariana Vruwink, 608-267-8823
County Executive

Today, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced he has selected Former Dane County Board Chair Sharon Corrigan to serve as Interim Director of the Alliant Energy Center. Corrigan, who has been a champion of the campus and efforts to redevelop the grounds, will begin the position January 28.

“Sharon’s leadership as County Board Chair and advocacy for the Alliant Energy Center to be a vibrant economic development destination across this state and region make her the right choice for this position,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “Sharon will help oversee the critical design and planning work needed for the potential expansion of the Exhibition Hall, and I look forward to continuing our work together in this new capacity.”

The 2020 Dane County Budget includes dollars to re-design what expanding the 255,000 square foot Exhibition Hall could look like. The facility currently hosts more than 500 events annually, including major conventions, conferences, and trade shows. An expansion would allow for existing shows to expand, help market the campus and region as a destination for more national and international events, and be the latest in a series of improvements made to the Alliant Energy Center campus to help bring in more visitors.

“This position is both an opportunity to continue to work on the redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center and an obligation to continue to serve our valued clients and the community,” said Corrigan. “I look forward to guiding the work of the Alliant Energy Center as the County seeks new leadership for the campus.”

County Executive Parisi’s announcement comes the day after the Dane County Board approved a new agreement with Alliant Energy for continued naming rights of the multi-building campus. The contract extension spans a decade—going into effect July 1, 2020 and running through June 30, 2030. It includes a provision to re-open the contract if the County proceeds with the planned expansion project at the Exhibition Hall.

Corrigan served on the Dane County Board for ten years, six of which were as County Board Chair. While on the Board, Corrigan helped Dane County enhance its focus on equity, develop efforts to reform the criminal justice system, advance more affordable housing projects, and achieve parity for women on the County Board.

Mark Clarke resigned as Director of the Alliant Energy Center on January 10, 2020. Corrigan will serve as Interim Director through May 15. In the coming months, Dane County will conduct a nationwide search to permanently fill the position.