Wharton Center Welcomes Greg Weber as Director of Operations

Wharton Center for Performing Arts is pleased to announce that Greg Weber has been hired as the Center's new Director of Operations and Administration. Weber replaces Diane Baribeau, who is moving to Traverse City to become the Executive Director of the City Opera House on behalf of Wharton Center.

Weber brings 30 years of leadership and management experience in the performing arts, having worked at Tulsa Opera, San Francisco Opera Association, the Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, New York, and Houston Grand Opera Association. He has a record of successful event management and execution of productions, and is very excited to be joining the Wharton Center family. "Wharton Center not only presents outstanding artistic productions, it represents one of the most forward-thinking performing arts centers in connecting its region to arts education and cultural community services. I am delighted to be joining the organization and management team which is a leader in all parts of the dramatic arts."

Diane Baribeau's contribution to Wharton Center has been, and continues to be, immense. She led the Center's $18.5-million renovation in 2009; that same year, Wharton Center signed a management agreement with the City Opera House - a move designed to further Wharton's mission to serve as a leading resource for arts entertainment and education programs statewide - and Diane successfully has helped to lead the City Opera House team. Baribeau also served as MSU's operations manager for the successful U2 360° concert at Spartan Stadium in 2011. Wharton Center's Executive Director, Mike Brand, says, "Diane Baribeau is one of the hardest working people I know and, although we won't see her daily at Wharton, we know she will continue the Center's mission to strengthen the value of arts across the state. Her 38-plus years on campus, the first 13 with University Development signify her dedication to MSU and to Wharton Center."

Diane Baribeau's move to Traverse City will allow her to spend more time at her favorite vacation spot, which will now become her permanent home. This permanent move north will allow her to focus more on the day- to-day operations at the historic City Opera House.

Baribeau says, "I've had a remarkable career at Wharton Center and MSU and am looking forward to moving to Torch Lake and enjoying a somewhat slower pace with the City Opera House. I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed both of my positions at MSU and am proud of the recognition Wharton Center has achieved."

Brand also says he is looking forward to the addition of Greg Weber to the Wharton team. "Greg brings an array of management experience mixed in with his excellent communication skills, professionalism and knowledge of the business. His management, knowledge, and appreciation for the arts along with his commitment to community engagement is a perfect fit for Wharton Center."

Weber and Baribeau will transition into their new roles in early July.