Lesley Koenig Named New Managing Director of Weston Playhouse Theatre Company

The Weston Playhouse Theatre Company has appointed Lesley Koenig as its new Managing Director, effective June 2. Koenig, who has been serving as the company's Interim Managing Director through an engagement with Arts Consulting Group (ACG), has instituted a new departmental budgeting model, increased the company's use of social media, and laid the groundwork for new systems in accounting, marketing and development. She was chosen from an impressive pool of 22 candidates garnered from an extensive national search.

"Hiring Lesley Koenig, with her years of non-profit arts management experience, is a key step as Weston expands from a core of summer productions to a series of year-round programs," commented Anthony C. Wood, chair of the theatre's Board of Directors. "Lesley brings the enthusiasm, management acumen and business savvy the board seeks to make our vision for Weston's future a reality. It is a testimony to the excellence of the company's artistic leadership that someone with Lesley's national reputation and compelling list of accomplishments has decided to tie her future to ours."

With over twelve years of experience managing performing arts organizations and a twenty-year career as an opera director, Koenig blends business skills with an intimate understanding of both production and the culture of performing arts organizations. Engaged as a stage director at the Metropolitan Opera at age 23, she took a sabbatical from an international directing career to earn an MA and MBA from Stanford and to redirect her energies toward management. She served as General Manager of San Francisco Ballet, Director of Production at the Met, and General Director of Opera Boston before joining Arts Consulting Group as a senior consultant. She continues to direct an opera production a year.

"When we chose Lesley to be our Interim Managing Director, we had no idea that she would prove to be a candidate for the permanent position," noted Weston's Producing Artistic Director Steve Stettler. "Her work with our staff and board has been exemplary, our community has embraced her, and we are excited to welcome her fully into the Weston family." "There's something magical happening in this corner of the world," added Koenig. "I am delighted to join the Weston community and help a company with such a rich history enjoy an even richer future." "We have been honored to assist Weston in its growth, advancement and community service," said Bruce Thibodeau, ACG President. "We are thrilled for Lesley and the quality of life she has found with the wonderful Weston family of board, staff, audiences and supporters."

The Weston Playhouse Theatre Company is an award-winning nonprofit theatre nationally known for its multi-stage summer season, education and new works programs. A $10 million capital campaign is currently underway, with plans to build a year-round cultural center for Southern Vermont - a theatre arts incubator with retreats, workshops and a new studio theatre at Weston's Walker Farm. For more information visit www.westonplayhouse.org.

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