The Artpark & Company Board of Directors has removed the interim label and named Dave Wedekindt as Artpark’s new president.
“It has been my pleasure to lead this organization through its 50th anniversary season, and I am honored to be selected to continue in this role,” Wedekindt said. “Artpark means so much to not only me, but several generations of people in our community and beyond, and it is exciting to build an even brighter future together with our board, New York State Parks, staff, and many other stakeholders.”
Wedekindt joined Artpark in 2018 as director of marketing & sales, bringing extensive experience in performing arts marketing, sales, communications, programming, sponsorship and development to the organization. He was promoted to vice president of concerts & marketing in 2021, then to vice president in 2022, and recently as interim president in April.
Joanne Bauer, Artpark Board president, said an extensive and thorough search was undertaken for the new president.
Wedekindt was chosen due to his proven leadership, deep community connections, and strong alignment with Artpark’s mission, according to Jonathan Dandes and Daniel Montante, co-chairs of the search committee and Artpark Board members
Wedekindt was previously the director of marketing for the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts in Amherst for 15 years, preceded by five years as associate director of marketing for the CFA. He started his career as associate director of development for Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. A strong advocate for the arts, he also serves on the board of directors of MusicalFare Theatre and is past president of the board of directors for Arts Services Inc. He holds an MBA from the University at Buffalo and BS in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia.
A lifelong Western New Yorker, Wedekindt resides in Amherst with his wife Susan.