The Lorand Ports and Finance Authority has a new Director of Operations and is currently looking for a new Executive Director.
However, both positions could be filled by new people, with Tom Brown taking over the role of operations director and assistant director Tiffany McClelland taking on the role of acting and possibly permanent executive director. It is likely that both are very familiar faces, as he has moved into the role of .
The position of Director of Operations is a completely new position at the Lorain Port Authority.
The move was largely driven by the Port Authority’s recent acquisition of the popular Rockin’ on the River brand, which provides live music at Black River Landing during the summer months.
With preparations underway for a new stage, construction on the horizon for a new amphitheater, and the recent soft retirement of longtime Rockin’ on the River promoter Bob Early and his wife Sandy, Brown seems like the logical person to fill the post.
Under the agreement as part of the Rockin’ on the River acquisition, Earley will remain with the brand and assist with business operations and logistics for hosting the popular weekly summer show.
The Director of Operations will oversee Rockin’ on the River, but will also work to grow the Port Authority by introducing additional entertainment, conventions and festivals.
The goal is to find ways to utilize the new stage and Black River Landing in new and innovative ways and for more year-round activities, Brown said.
“We have been looking at it as an agency for about three years now, knowing that Bob and Sandy (Early) wanted to retire,” he said. “So we proposed this, but we needed someone who had this knowledge.
“We started talking about this at the board level, and they said, ‘Would you consider this?'”
“And you know I was happy. I’m excited. I’ve had a great time as Bob’s unpaid intern for the past 10 years and learned a lot about the industry and meeting people. I think we’ve built a connection.
“It’s exciting. It’s fun. I’m very knowledgeable about music and I know this site very well. I’ve been to basically every show and from day one I’ve been an executive. I’m joining as a director, and basically I’m going to be the construction manager for those agencies.
“I’m still working on fundraising so there’s a lot of work to do.”
Brown said he is not only looking forward to the move, but also sees it as a great opportunity to bring in fresh ideas and enthusiasm with a new executive director to transform the Port Authority.
McClelland will serve as acting executive director, but Brown said she hopes the Port Authority board will make her permanent director.
The board is currently conducting a public inquiry.
“My biggest wish is for Tiffany to be promoted,” Brown said. “She has been with us for 10 years and is a very bright person.
“She started as an intern, worked as an economic development specialist, and worked her way up to business director. Honestly, I’m excited for us to be able to promote from within and continue that.
“I’ve had a great working relationship with her. I’m obviously not on the steering committee, but if I had a teacher in charge, she would be the one to do it.”
do your best
Brown said he is serious about his new role and is already working on booking live entertainment for the 2025 season.
He admits there’s a lot of logistics involved, not only managing and promoting the bands that grace Black River Landing’s stage, but also coordinating the various vendors, sound and lighting, and food and beverage outlets.
Brown also said the Port Authority is looking to promote not just Black River Landing, but the entire region, especially the lakefront and other local attractions that benefit from these events, including partnerships, sponsorships and the actual ship. We are also working on
“When we open the gates here, there are a lot of issues that people are not aware of,” he said. “That’s why everyone is worried about the rain.
“We want people to come and have fun. We want people to leave here happy and bring their friends back. Just like we own Rockin’ on the River. This will make it easier for you as an agency to flexibly change your site.
“So if we have another promoter who wants to come on Saturday, we can leave the site alone and use or rent the equipment and have someone else run another promotion or concert. “Saturday. It might be the same on our Saturdays and Sundays.
“Maybe Wednesday and maybe Thursday. We want to keep adding to it and are currently working with two different promoters on two completely new and unique weekend events that will bring more people to the site. I’m here.
“If we’re going to do 20 events this year, we’d like to get to 40. We want to bring this place to life at least one night a week.
“When we break ground next fall and build this amphitheater, we have to extend the season. We have to do other things to attract new artists.
“We spent the last part of the last decade developing Black River Landing with Bob and Sandy’s leadership, and they ignited this project. Now that we have secured the asset, it’s time to make it even brighter. It’s time.
“We have created this atmosphere and we must continue to do so. We will take the new amphitheater to the next level as we head into 2026.
“People will be surprised. People will say, ‘Wow, I didn’t think Lorraine could do that,’ and we’re going to do it.”
Brown said the entire complex is a positive attraction for Loran, Loran County as a whole, and the surrounding area.
The event attracts show patrons, who buy goods and food from local vendors, stay in hotels, and frequent area businesses.
Mr. Brown also appreciated all the efforts of the Loran Police Department to create a safe atmosphere for guests, adding that in 2025, patrons will also begin to see some technology upgrades that will make the overall experience better. Ta.
