Robert Hodge, director of the Austin Convention Center, was fired April 1 “for violation of City policy,” according to Toby Futrell, Austin’s city manager.
Specific violations were not defined. According to Futrell, “Assistant Director Hymie Gonzales has been named acting director and will assume oversight responsibilities for day-to-day operation of the facility. A national search for a permanent replacement will begin immediately.”
Hodge’s departure raises questions and comes at a suspicious time for the Austin Convention Center.
The Travis County district attorney’s office is investigating the center regarding alleged monetary improprieties.
According to a search warrant issued by the district attorney’s office, Hodge’s office is in alleged “violation of the Texas Penal Code, misapplication of fiduciary property, tampering with a governmental record, and a gift to a public servant.”
Yet, according to Futrell, Hodge’s termination and the investigation of the center are unrelated.
“This action is separate from the current convention center investigation by the district attorney’s office, and the city continues to cooperate fully in that inquiry,” he said.
Following Hodge’s departure, the city of Austin has become more directly involved with the workings of the convention center and has assigned Rudy Garza, assistant city manager, to help out at the convention center.
“It is important to note that these changes at the facility have not and will not impact operations or the dedication of convention center staff nor affect the high level of customer service that’s come to be expected at the Austin Convention Center,” Garza said in a statement.
