Photo courtesy of First Financial Center
The First Financial Center, managed by Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, has appointed Byron Johnson as director of operations, bringing 17 years of experience in large-scale venue operations to the leadership team.
Johnson joins the organization at a pivotal moment, following the Center’s January 21, 2026, reopening after a transformative $264 million renovation.
Johnson has spent his career in the events and venue management industry. Most recently, he served as director of public safety and security for the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, overseeing the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. His experience spans operations, guest experience, capital projects, and large-venue performance management.
The reopening of the downtown First Financial Center introduced a dramatically reimagined facility designed to elevate the region’s convention and tourism landscape. The upgraded center now features fully renovated exhibit halls and meeting rooms, enhanced natural light and circulation, and major behind-the-scenes improvements that increase energy efficiency and connectivity. Since its reopening, it has hosted several large-scale events and national conventions. It recently hosted the largest Omega Psi Phi International Grand Conclave in the fraternity’s history, attracting over 30,000 visitors to Cincinnati and generating tens of millions in estimated economic impact for the region.
Rodney Faulk, general manager of the First Financial Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue, said Johnson’s appointment comes at an important time for the facility and the broader downtown convention district. “We are delighted to welcome Byron to the First Financial Center leadership team. His depth of experience and proven success across diverse venues make him uniquely qualified to lead our operations during this exciting chapter of growth for Cincinnati. As significant investments continue to shape the future of our convention center and community, Byron’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing our operations, enhancing the guest experience and setting new standards. We are confident his expertise, vision and commitment to excellence will strengthen our organization and position us for continued success.”
“I am thrilled to join the First Financial Center team as Director of Operations and to help lead the venue into its next chapter following its exciting reimagining,” said Johnson. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented team led by Rodney Faulk and Brian Clark and contributing my experience in venue leadership to support our clients, guests and community. I’m excited to help strengthen the Center’s position as a premier destination for world-class meetings, events and entertainment.”
