The contractor operating the HAPO Center has announced a leadership transition for the venue as owner Franklin County considers diverse options for the facility’s future. 

Joanna Ruiz, who previously served as director of sales, became general manager on Sept. 1. She replaces Mike McCall, who worked on behalf of operator HWL Team LLC to stabilize and reposition the HAPO Center after a tumultuous period. He will continue in an advisory role. 

The venue has grown its event business, substantially improved perception of its facilities, completed meaningful facility upgrades, and built an experienced and committed internal operating team, HWL Team said in a release. Ruiz is now tasked with keeping that forward momentum going. 

“Joanna has been Mike’s right hand throughout this transformation and has played an important role in turning the vision into action,” said Marshall Myers, spokesperson for HWL Team LLC leadership, in a statement. “Mike has invested in her development, trusted her with increasing responsibility, and helped prepare her for this opportunity. This transition is not a change in direction – it is the continuation of what Mike and this team have built. Joanna brings her own perspective, relationships and business experience to that foundation, and we expect her to continue raising the bar while finding new ways to connect the HAPO Center with the communities we serve.” 

Ruiz’s background is in operations, sales and business development. Prior to joining the HAPO Center, she was vice president for operations for a multilocation piano retail and wholesale organization, where her responsibilities spanned operations, sales and business development across domestic and international markets.  

She is also bilingual in English and Spanish and hopes to strengthen the HAPO Center’s connection with the region’s growing Hispanic and Latino community. 

The leadership change comes as Franklin County asserts its ownership of the facility with the expiration of the contract with the city of Pasco.  

Franklin County Administrator Brian Dansel recently pitched to the Confederated Bands & Tribes of the Yakama Nation the possibility of transforming the HAPO Center into a tribal casino.