Barter Announces New Director of Advancement

Barter Theatre has announced the hiring of Katherine Foreman as its new director of advancement. Foreman will lead a four-member advancement team responsible for fundraising through individual, corporate, foundation and grant support.

Foreman was most recently the vice president of advancement for Blue Ridge PBS, but has deep roots in Southwestern VA. She is originally from Marion, VA and taught at Virginia Highlands Community College in addition to her many other professional accomplishments. She also has strong ties to Barter, having been a patron since the age of six. Foreman stepped into her role near the end of Barter's Year-end Annual Fund Campaign. As a non-profit professional theatre, Barter's ticket sales only cover about 62% of its annual budget, so contributions are key to its success.

The Annual Fund supports not just the nationally recognized and highly visible performances, but Barter's many outreach programs, including school matinees, the Young Playwrights Festival and Project R.E.A.L., which supports core high school curriculum through theatre skills.

"We are immensely excited about Katherine leading our fundraising efforts," said Richard Rose, Barter's producing artistic director. "She understands what it takes to build and succeed with an important non-profit organization like ours." Barter is a crucial economic engine in Abingdon and the region. In 2011 travel spending amounted to $93.5 million in Washington County.

Foreman intends to use her many skills to bolster the long-term health of the theatre. "If we marshal the proper resources, today's six year olds can look forward to a lifetime of great productions here. That achievement would benefit theatre goers of all ages and the economic stability of the region."

Barter's Advancement Department can be reached for information or donations by phone at 276-619-3315, online at bartertheatre.com or by mail at P.O. Box 867 Abingdon, Va 24212.

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