Michael J. Fresher serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.  In this role, he oversees and is responsible for all facets of The Tobin Center’s operations and business plan.

The Tobin Center was named the IAVM Venue of Excellence for 2016 and consistently ranks among the world’s finest theaters (PollStar).  The Tobin’s operations and events have garnered numerous national and international awards and recognition.

Prior to coming to The Tobin Center, Fresher served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the Horace Bushnell Memorial Hall Corporation (The Bushnell) in Hartford, Connecticut.  In this role, he was responsible for all operational areas of The Bushnell including Finance, Facility Operations (including IT and Guest Services), Sales, Marketing, Human Resources and the Box Office. Additionally, Fresher was actively engaged in enterprise-wide strategic planning and new business development.

Fresher also served as General Manager of Bushnell Management Services – the venue management arm of The Bushnell.  In this role, Fresher was responsible for oversight of operations at Rentschler Field Stadium as well as expansion into additional venue management agreements.

Before The Bushnell, Fresher was the Vice President Finance and Controller for Madison Square Garden’s Connecticut operation for 10 years where he directed oversight of all financial operations and was involved in all elements of operation and management of the Hartford Civic Center (arena), the Hartford Wolf Pack Hockey Team and Rentschler Field (football stadium).

Fresher was a finalist for the Hartford Business Journal’s CFO of The Year in 2010 and was recognized as a Top 50 Most Influential Business Leaders in Hartford by Hartford Magazine in 2012.  In San Antonio, Fresher was recognized by San Antonio Magazine in 2013 as one the city’s most Important Innovators (the “IT” List). 

Fresher is a recipient of San Antonio Business Journal’s 2016 San Antonio C-Suite Award, which honors outstanding CEOs in San Antonio.  Fresher serves the community with his involvement with many San Antonio arts, business and economic development organizations and boards.         

Fresher graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Finance.  A life-long Connecticut resident, Fresher now resides in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, with his family.

Michael J. Fresher