Founder and CEO Steve Peters will focus on long-term strategy during a planned leadership transition ahead of his retirement in March 2028
The VenuWorks ESOP Board of Directors has appointed Michael Silva President and Chief Operating Officer, effective September 7, 2026. Silva previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, a position he had held since April 2024.
The appointment is part of a planned leadership transition at VenuWorks. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve Peters will remain actively involved with the company through his planned retirement in March 2028.
As President and Chief Operating Officer, Silva will lead the day-to-day operations of VenuWorks and translate the strategic direction established by the Board and CEO into action across the company. His responsibilities include oversight of corporate departments, operational and financial performance, client retention, service delivery, organizational systems and new business development.
Peters will continue to guide VenuWorks’ long-term vision and strategic planning while focusing on key client and industry relationships, contract retention, external partnerships and mentoring the company’s leadership team.
“Mike has been instrumental in keeping our organization moving forward, strengthening our safety and risk-management practices, and advancing strategies that support the long-term growth and stability of VenuWorks,” Peters said. “This expanded role recognizes the leadership he is already providing and allows me to concentrate on the company’s long-term direction, our most important relationships and a successful transition through my planned retirement in 2028. I have tremendous confidence in Mike, our leadership team and our employee-owners. VenuWorks is in excellent hands.”
As Chief Operating Officer, Silva directed corporate services supporting operations, food and beverage, and client retention across VenuWorks’ managed portfolio. He also participated in new-business pursuits and the onboarding of new management accounts, strengthened the company’s risk-management and OSHA compliance programs, and introduced new initiatives supporting VenuWorks’ employee-ownership culture.
“I am honored to take on this role and lead the day-to-day operations of VenuWorks,” Silva said. “Our greatest strength is our employee-owners, both at our corporate office and in venues across the country. They bring experience, initiative and a personal commitment to every client partnership. I look forward to working alongside them to strengthen those long-term relationships, pursue thoughtful growth and deliver the transparent, accountable and first-class service our clients and communities expect.”
Silva joined the VenuWorks corporate leadership team after serving as Executive Director of the company’s Cedar Rapids, Iowa, portfolio, where he oversaw the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Paramount Theatre, McGrath Amphitheatre, ImOn Ice Arena and the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office.
In Cedar Rapids, Silva strengthened the performance of the city-owned portfolio through increased bookings, improved operations, strategic sales and marketing, disciplined financial management, capital planning and a sustained focus on guest service and stakeholder relationships.
Earlier in his career with VenuWorks, Michael served as Interim Executive Director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center and General Manager of the California University of Pennsylvania Convocation Center. He also held management positions at Cambria County War Memorial Arena, Petersen Events Center at the University of Pittsburgh and at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
Peters founded the company in 1996 to address the unique needs of public assembly facilities in midsize and smaller communities. During the past 30 years, he has led VenuWorks’ growth into a nationally recognized venue management company serving 29 communities across the United States.
A defining achievement of Peters’ tenure was the transition of VenuWorks to employee ownership in 2023. The move established VenuWorks as the nation’s only 100% employee-owned venue management company and ensured that the employees responsible for the company’s success would share directly in its future.
Peters began his venue management career in 1976 and later served as the opening General Manager of Target Center in Minneapolis and as a Vice President with Ogden Entertainment. A past president of the International Association of Venue Managers, he has received the association’s Charles A. McElravy Award for lifetime achievement and the IAVM Foundation Legacy Award.
The Board, Peters and Silva will continue working together throughout the transition period to ensure continuity of leadership, client service and implementation of the company’s strategic plans.
