WORCESTER—Two of the DCU Center’s most familiar faces are preparing to take their final bows.
General Manager Sandy Dunn and Assistant General Manager/Director of Sales Jim Moughan—who together have led the DCU Center’s operations, sales, and community partnerships for nearly four decades—will both retire in January 2026, the venue announced Friday.
Their combined eight decades of service have helped transform the DCU Center Arena and Convention Center into one of New England’s top sports, entertainment, and convention destinations. Since opening, the venue has hosted more than 12,000 events and welcomed over 27 million guests, fueling Worcester’s downtown economy and cultural revival.
“There have been no better or bigger champions for the DCU Center in its 40-plus-year history than Sandy Dunn and Jim Moughan,” City Manager Eric D. Batista said in the announcement. “Not only have they been the custodians of its brand and stewards of its success, but together they’ve been a trailblazing duo in the venue-management industry nationally.”
Batista credited the pair for their “decades-long” partnership with the city, helping drive economic development and national attention to Worcester through the arena, convention center and public skating rink on Worcester Common.
Les Crooks, regional vice president for Legends Global (which manages the DCU Center), praised their impact: “They’ve set the standard for excellence, professionalism, and collaboration, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of venue leaders.”
Dunn, who has spent 38 years in Worcester and 45 in the live entertainment industry, oversaw the center’s major expansions, national events, and more than 325 event days each year. Her influence extends beyond Worcester, having managed and guided other regional venues, including the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH, and serving on numerous boards statewide.
“It has been an honor to lead the DCU Center and serve this incredible community,” Dunn said in a statement. “Worcester will always be home, and I look forward to watching the DCU Center continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
Moughan, a Leicester native and Assumption College graduate, began at the facility in 1982 as assistant box office manager and rose through the ranks to lead convention center sales and operations. His leadership helped attract hundreds of events each year while maintaining close ties with Worcester’s business and civic community.
“Working alongside Sandy and our incredible team has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Moughan said. “The DCU Center has been my second home for nearly four decades.”
Transition planning is already underway, and a successor announcement will be made later. Both retirements will officially take effect in January 2026.
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