South Bend: City Announces Venues Parks & Arts Executive Director

~ South Bend, IN - The City of South Bend has officially announced the appointment of Erin Thornton as the new Executive Director of Venues Parks & Arts. Mayor James Mueller expressed his excitement for Thornton to take on this leadership role and continue to uphold the standard of excellence within the department.

With a background in visitor experience and public service, Thornton is well-equipped to create welcoming public spaces and meaningful experiences that empower the community to thrive. She brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in driving strategic transformation, experience design, and operational excellence across various sectors including public, academic, and hospitality.

Thornton joined the City of South Bend in 2025 as the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for South Bend Venues Parks and Arts. In this role, she oversaw a newly established Visitor Experience division that unified custodial, safety, and service-focused operations. This helped position South Bend as a premier destination for both residents and tourists.

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Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Thornton stated, "The opportunity to lead the fantastic team at South Bend Venues Parks and Arts is both humbling and thrilling." As a long-time resident of the community and frequent visitor to its parks and public spaces, she is passionate about championing the people and work that bring these spaces to life.

Prior to joining South Bend VPA, Thornton spent over 11 years at the University of Notre Dame where she directed large-scale events for the Alumni Association before serving as an executive level advisor. She also gained valuable experience working onboard and shoreside at Disney Cruise Line, where she developed a strong foundation in guest experience and service excellence.

Thornton earned her degree in Architecture from Penn State in 2005, providing her with a deep understanding of how design, place, and experience intersect. She will officially transition into her new position on Monday, June 15th.

The City of South Bend is confident that Thornton's expertise will continue to elevate the department and enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents alike. With her leadership, South Bend Venues Parks & Arts is poised to thrive and continue to be a top destination in the years to come.

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