Comic-Con has hired Adam Smith to be the executive director to head the proposed year-round Comic-Con exhibit space in Balboa Park. The location will be centered around a variety of entertainment within comics, movies, TV, and pop art.

Smith has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, focused on nationally significant museums in the U.S. and U.K. Most recently, Smith was Executive Vice President for Commemorative Air Force in Dallas, TX where he led the fundraising, design, and construction of an aviation museum.

His Comic-Con goals are to coordinate and hire staff, as well as meet with new and potential stakeholders. “I am excited that my lifelong passion for pop culture, science fiction, and comics combined with my experience in museum management will blend effortlessly in our efforts to get this new facility off the ground,” Smith said.

Comic-Con searched for nearly a year to fill the position. “The level of talent interested in this position made the choice a daunting one. However, in Adam we feel we have found the perfect balance of fan enthusiasm and necessary expertise to bring this new endeavor to life,” said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer for Comic-Con International.