Deadline for Open Vibrant Arena Director Position in Moline is March 2
Applicants to become just third executive director in the nearly 33-year history of Vibrant Arena at The MARK have until March 2 to be considered for the job – which has a salary starting at $200,000 a year.
After a 20-year career leading Vibrant Arena at The MARK, 1201 River Drive, Moline, Scott Mullen was fired as executive director last July, due to three drunk-driving arrests since 2020. Rocky Jones (the arena’s assistant executive director/director of finance) assumed the position’s duties until further notice.
The Illinois Quad City Civic Center Authority (IQCCCA) is a municipal corporation first created by the Illinois State Legislature in 1984, and the nearly 12,000-seat capacity arena first opened in May 1993 as The MARK of the Quad Cities.
The facility is owned and governed by the ILQCCCA which provides oversight and strategic direction through its Board of Directors.
Since its opening, the arena has proudly operated without the need for local tax dollars, according to the December 2025 executive director job application from the executive search firm of Kittleman & Associates. All annual operating revenues are reinvested in the facility to maintain a reputation as one of the top mid-size arenas in the U.S.
Scott Mullen, just the second boss at Vibrant Arena in its history, was fired last July after 20 years in the job.
The arena accommodates a wide range of events thanks to its adaptable configuration – from concerts featuring world-class artists, sporting events, family shows, conventions, graduations, and community gatherings.
The arena “is at a pivotal moment, presenting a unique opportunity for a new leader to make a transformative impact,” the job description says.
The board on July 17, 2025 adopted the recommendation of the IQCCCA executive committee to terminate Mullen’s employment, with cause, effective immediately.
In May 2025, he self-reported that he was arrested in Clayton County, Iowa for driving under the influence of alcohol, in a vehicle provided by the authority for his business and personal use. Subsequent to this admission, the authority learned that he similarly had prior OWI arrests, in 2024 in Dubuque County and 2020 in Scott County, also in a vehicle provided for his business and personal use, as a fringe benefit to his employment.
A July 17 letter to Mullen from the arena noted that he failed to report the 2024 incident to the board and didn’t report the 2020 incident to all board members, which were violations of his employment agreement.
“Allegations indicate that you have failed to maintain the highest standards of business integrity, exemplary conduct and respect for the community,” the letter said. Mullen violated the prohibition of being under the influence of any illicit drug or alcohol while in the workplace, on duty, or while operating a vehicle or equipment owned or leased by Vibrant Arena.
Mullen was just the second executive director in arena history when he took over in 2005 (from Steve Hyman), after serving five years as general manager of Nassau Coliseum, just outside New York City. The Moline arena had its most profitable year under Mullen, with a $2-million profit for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, and he helped negotiate the 10-year, $4-million naming rights deal in 2022 with Vibrant Credit Union.
Paul McCartney played a sold-out show at the Moline arena in June 2019 (photo by Jonathan Turner).
“As a community-owned entity, it has a strong connection to the local community but faces challenges in an ever-changing environment that require strategic leadership and vision,” the current job description says.
“The organization has the potential to attract larger talent, such as rising stars, and diversify its offerings with popular acts like country western shows. Focusing on core relationships with key stakeholders, including promoters, artists, the City of Moline, and the business community, will be essential to securing its fair share of the market.”
The executive director reports directly to the ILQCCCA Board of Directors and acts as the principal liaison among the Authority, private partners, and the regional community. This position requires a visionary, business-minded leader who fosters collaboration, innovation, and accountability while ensuring that the arena continues to thrive as a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and community events.
“We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who embodies integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to community engagement,” the job description says. “The ideal candidate will be comfortable as the face of the organization, possessing a strategic mindset, and the ability to act as a change agent while embracing challenges and opportunities with an innovative approach. They will have a proven track record in operations and financial management, coupled with contract and negotiation expertise.
“Ideally, the successful candidate will have comprehensive understanding of venue operations, event booking, and facility maintenance, with established connections in the industry.”
The salary range for this position is between $200,000 – $225,000 and will be commensurate with experience. A board designated bonus, which will be tied to strategic initiatives, will be a component of the compensation package. Benefits include but are not limited to paid time off, 10 paid holidays, healthcare, dental, vision and life insurance, and retirement plan options.
Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and letter of introduction by clicking on the Apply button HERE, by March 2, 2026.
For more information about ILQCCCA and Vibrant Arena at The MARK, visit Vibrant Arena.
The next main event at the arena (1201 River Drive, Moline) is this weekend with professional bull riding (Vibrant Arena).
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