Former Landers Center CFO files suit against County CVB

The DeSoto County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), which owns the Landers Center in Southaven, is facing a federal lawsuit filed this week by the former chief financial officer of the center. It’s the second one filed for terminations of former operational leadership.  

Jason Morgan, former CFO, and Todd Mastry, former executive director, were both fired earlier this year. Mastry responded with the lawsuit claiming he was relieved of his duties for booking Black artists to the entertainment venue. Morgan, in the most recent filing, claims a similar reason against him.  Their firings occurred just weeks after the launch of an $85 million expansion project at the venue, a project both had been instrumental in planning.

Both legal actions were submitted in U.S. District Court in Oxford.  

Morgan came to the Landers Center in May 2021 after serving a similar position for 11 years at Agricenter International in Memphis.  

The lawsuit alleges that Morgan’s termination was racially motivated and that he was fired for supporting the booking of Black artists at the venue—an effort led by Mastry. The lawsuit claims Morgan was removed because he continued to perform his financial duties for shows involving Black performers. Mastry’s lawsuit was filed in February of this year.  

Morgan’s complaint cites a pattern of racially charged comments and actions by board members dating back to 2015, even though he wasn’t employed at the time. He is seeking reinstatement and monetary compensation, alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act.

Amy Lovorn, President of the DeSoto County Convention and Visitors Bureau board, when contacted by DeSoto County News. issued a statement denying the allegations.  

“The DeSoto County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) categorically denies the allegations of racism and retaliation in the lawsuits filed by former Landers Center employees Jason Morgan and Todd Mastry,” Lovorn said. “Neither events nor entertainers have ever been selected or refused use of the Landers Center based upon race.  The CVB is proud of the Landers Center’s reputation as a premier event and entertainment venue in the Mid-South.”

Lovorn went on to say the board expects to prevail on all claims and it is reserving further comments as the lawsuits involve personnel matters with former employees.