�Richard brings to the City of McAllen an experience level that will support the current Convention Center Project including design, marketing, construction, opening and operations,� said Mike R. Perez, City Manager.

Karamatic, a certified meeting professional, has held similar public positions with the City of Waxahachie, Texas.  He was the Director of the Waxahachie Convention Center and served for the City of Dallas as an event production/concession/contract compliance manager in Fair Park.

He was previously employed by CNB Communications in Waxahachie as a competitor local exchange carrier specializing in the resale of Southwestern Bell Services, Internet service and broadband service.

Private employment includes chief operating officer for CNB Communications and Director of Event Services for the Infomart Dallas, Dallas, Texas.

Karamatic, 53, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation from Northwestern State University and is a veteran of the United States Army.  He will reside in McAllen with his wife, Susan and daughter, Valerie, a 9th grader.

He was 2000 President of the Texas Association of Convention Center Operation Managers and is currently a member of the International Association of Assembly Managers.

�I look forward to working closely with Mayor Montalvo, City Commission, Staff and the Convention Center Advisory Board in the new Convention Center, scheduled to open in November, 2004,� said Karamatic.