Lynn Flanders confirmed as Ocean Center’s new director.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

During the Volusia County Council meeting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, council members unanimously confirmed Lynn Flanders as the new director of the Ocean Center. With an extensive background spanning over two decades in managing convention and performing arts centers, Flanders brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

"We went out on a nationwide search, and we were very fortunate to find Lynn Flanders. Atlanta is one of the largest entertainment markets in the country. She has been in the big leagues, so we are happy to have her come here," said County Manager George Recktenwald, expressing his enthusiasm. "She has great skills, and the other part that is hard to put on a piece of paper—she is well known in the industry."

Flanders most recently held the position of Assistant General Manager at the Cobb Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, overseeing the daily operations and services for prominent venues, including the Cobb Galleria Center, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and Galleria Specialty Shops.

According to a release, during her confirmation, Flanders shared that while she was born and raised in Georgia, making Volusia County her new home is fitting, as she has a memorable tie to the area.

“When my father was a student at Georgia Tech, he was a musician. He ventured out with the sax and created a boy band, and they played beach music in the Bandshell in Daytona. He loved Daytona so much that he wrote a song about Daytona, and it made the local charts. We would come here every summer for vacation. It was something we looked forward to every single year.”

Flanders, a certified public accountant, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounts from Mercer University and is a member of prestigious professional organizations such as the Georgia Society of CPAs and the International Association of Venue Managers. Her unique expertise and personal connection to the region make her a promising asset to the Ocean Center and Volusia County.

“We will support you and look forward to working with you,” said County Council Chair Jeff Brower. “When I went over your background with George, I just had to sit back in my chair and say, ‘Wow! What a great find.’ I am pleased with the extent of the search, and I am pleased that you accepted.”