Kimberly Motes Named New Managing Director of CTC

The Children's Theatre Company Board of Governors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kimberly Motes as the new Managing Director of Children's Theatre Company (CTC) effective February 29. Motes is currently the Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the University of St. Thomas. She succeeds Karen Bohn, former CTC Board Chair, who has served in an interim capacity since October 2015 when CTC's previous Managing Director Tim Jennings assumed the Executive Director position at the Shaw Festival of Canada (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario). The announcement by Board Chair Jeff von Gillern ends an extensive, nationwide search by Barbara A. Janowitz.

"On behalf of CTC's Board of Governors, we are delighted to welcome Kim," enthused von Gillern. "She was unanimously chosen for her strong business acumen, theatre experience, an unmatched fundraising resume, and someone we believe can lead CTC in the advancement of its mission. She is a highly skilled leader that brings a wealth of knowledge, a strong vision for the future, and expertise in leading and growing key organizations. As a native of the Twin Cities, Kim has created many strong relationships and has a stellar reputation. It is a real coup to have found someone so perfectly suited for this important leadership position right here in our own community."

Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius remarked, "I'm beyond thrilled to welcome Kim to the CTC family and back into the Twin Cities' performing arts community. She has proven herself a natural arts leader with a strong vision, prolific experience inside and outside of the artistic realm, and a proven track record for substantially growing organizational capacity. She has earned the profound respect from her colleagues locally and nationally from the arts sector and beyond. I look forward to our partnership as we embark on the next chapter of creating challenging and inspiring work for multigenerational audiences."

"I am excited to partner with Peter Brosius as we launch the next fifty years of this important cultural asset," stated Motes. "I have tremendous respect for Peter's artistic vision and leadership. I am also impressed by the tireless staff who care deeply about this institution and the Board of Governors who are thoughtful, strategic, and engaged. The future is bright and I look forward to bringing my experience and energy to an organization that plays a critical role in our community."

"It is a full circle moment for me personally," continued Motes. "The first theatre production I ever saw as a child was at Children's Theatre Company and it sparked an interest in the arts that has been lifelong. It is gratifying to know that I can contribute to creating that experience for future generations."

Motes has served as Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the University of St. Thomas since July 2014 where she oversees marketing, communications, development, advancement, alumni relations, and university relations. She has led a comprehensive rebranding effort for the university, developed the strategic direction for advancement that included a substantial restructure of institutional advancement, and grew contributed income by 21.5% in her first year.

Prior to St. Thomas, Motes was Vice President of Institutional Advancement for the College of Saint Benedict where she was responsible for all aspects of fundraising as well as alumnae relations, fine arts programming, and the literary art institute. In this role, she doubled overall giving to $11 million annually and led their year-long centennial celebration.

Prior to her five years in higher education, Motes spent 20 years in the arts in the Twin Cities and Washington, DC. She was Executive Director of the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts (previously the Minnesota Shubert Performing Arts and Education Center) where, during her seven year tenure, she led efforts to raise $34.5 million, including co-leading the lobbying effort that secured $12 million from the State of Minnesota. Motes was responsible for developing the organizational plans for what is now the three-building performing arts center in downtown Minneapolis developed by Artspace Projects. Additionally, she initiated, developed, and directed the Cowles Center's award-winning education program delivering free dance education throughout the state through technology.

From 2008-2011, she served as Managing Director for Theater Latté Da in Minneapolis, where she led all business and strategic aspects of the company. Under her tenure, she increased revenues by 48% with a 40% increase in ticket revenue and an 82% growth in contributed income. Motes also launched a subscription series that doubled projections, led efforts on a three-year strategic plan, and built systems and infrastructure that poised the organization for growth, stability, and increased efficiency.

Prior to her move back to Minnesota, Motes served as the Director of Development at Arena Stage in Washington, DC for five years. She increased contributed income from $2.9 million to $4.3 million and produced a 50th Anniversary Gala which grossed over $1.1 million. Motes has also held positions at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and at the Washington Ballet.

A native of Minnesota, Motes received her Bachelor's Degree from the College of Saint Benedict. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Theater Latté Da and the Minneapolis Downtown Council.