YSU's Kilcawley events manager hired for downtown post

YOUNGSTOWN

The mayor hired the operations manager for Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center as the city’s coordinator of downtown events and special projects.

Michael McGiffin of Struthers will start the new job Nov. 17. It pays $41,124 annually in salary.

“My biggest passion is trying to get the various [arts and entertainment] entities that are already so strong and have them work closely together,” said McGiffin, who has held the YSU job for the past three and a half years.

Mayor John A. McNally said a five-member committee he appointed reviewed the 54 applicants seeking the vacant position and recommended McGiffin for the job. McNally said he met with McGiffin and agreed to hire him.

“He will be the liaison for all downtown events and expand the schedule of events,” McNally said. “He’ll also be involved in citywide special projects.”

McGiffin, 27, has worked at his current job since March 2011, overseeing and managing events at Kilcawley Center. Also since March 2011, he’s served as adviser of Penguin Productions, YSU’s event and production entity. In that job, he’s overseen five YSU-sponsored events at the city-owned Covelli Centre, and a few outdoor events.

Read more about the new events coordinator in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.