CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The long-time general manager of the Ting Pavilion, at the end of the Downtown Mall, has announced he will be retiring.

Kirby Hutto has been with the pavilion since its beginning in 2004. Under his leadership, the venue has hosted celebrities and political figures, like President Barack Obama. It has also hosted the popular "Fridays After Five" event during summers, which Hutto says he will continue to attend.

"Coming down here and not being in charge will be a bit of a challenge, but I'm sure I'll work it through and be able to get my mind in a place to just enjoy the music and have fun," he said.

During his time as general manager, the pavilion has had more than 100,000 visitors annually and has had an economic impact of more than $12 million. Hutto's retirement will go into effect on May 31.