Denver Center For The Performing Arts' CEO Daniel L. Ritchie Announces Retirement

Daniel L. Ritchie has announced his retirement as Chief Executive Officer of the Denver Center for Performing Arts. He will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees following his retirement as CEO.

Mr. Ritchie revealed his decision to retire as CEO at today's regularly scheduled meeting of the trustees and then to a meeting of DCPA employees. He also is sending a letter to the customers and donors whose support of the DCPA has been the foundation of its success.

"This is the right moment for me to step aside and for a new CEO to guide the DCPA into its bright future," said Mr. Ritchie. "The DCPA is poised to move to a new level of creativity with an even warmer embrace of our audience. My full energy will now be focused on board matters including the campaign to reauthorize the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District in 2016."

Mr. Ritchie joined the DCPA in 2007 as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Upon his appointment, the Board and Mr. Ritchie concluded that the two positions should ultimately be separated. Today's announcement completes that plan.

Mr. Ritchie led the DCPA through a period of dynamic creative growth and to financial success. During his leadership, the DCPA expanded its new play development program, launched three national Broadway touring premieres, conducted two successful matching gift fundraising campaigns, and served more than 400,000 students through its extensive theatre education programs. Mr. Ritchie also has been instrumental in diversifying the DCPA's programming with the development of Off-Center @ The Jones, an experimental theatre designed to make theatre less formal, more fun, decidedly innovative and appealing to new audiences.

Mr. Ritchie has made generous personal financial donations to the DCPA and has served without pay as CEO during his entire tenure.

"It has been my privilege to serve as CEO of the DCPA. I want to express my gratitude to the immensely talented team we have for their hard work, dedication and artistic spirit. Thank you, as well, to our guests and donors. You make everything we do possible."

A search will begin immediately for Mr. Ritchie's successor. He will remain as CEO until his successor has joined the organization and he will work with the new CEO during a period of transition.