Recently hired Niagara Arts & Cultural Center Executive Director Kevin Leary is resigning from his post, according to the NACC’s Board of Directors.
“Kevin is stepping down to return to his roots and pursue artistic endeavors,” wrote Mary Ricciardi, board president, in a release sent out on the departure.
Leary was hired in September. A date for his departure wasn’t provided by the board. Ricciardi said the board has already begun a “multi-phased transition approach” that will ensure interim leadership and the hire of a new executive director. To aid in this transition, she said, the board is working with the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) to chart a leadership transition and also work on stabilization strategies to improve board governance, oversight and strategic planning.
“In Kevin’s short time, the NACC has built on momentum started by previous executives. He led the NACC through a rebranding, choosing to highlight the organization’s commitment to its community through a welcoming environment and as a stimulus for creative journeys, Ricciardi wrote. “The rebranding brought a fresh look to the NACC, improved communication pieces, a brand-new website, and a solid vision for the NACC’s future. He launched numerous programming initiatives, including the new Theatre for Young Audiences Initiative that provides space for theatre work that emphasizes imagination, exploration, discovery, and play. And finally, Kevin built on the work of the NACC’s Theatre Restoration Committee to produce the vision that will lead the NACC’s $8.5 million Theatre Renovation project. The theatre project promises to fundamentally change the NACC’s business model with construction expected to begin in (the fall.)”
Ricciardi noted that Leary has agreed to lead the Theatre Restoration Project until his successor is in place.
Leary, an Olean native, earned a degree from Wright State University, and performed professionally or assistant directed in touring productions including “Music Man,” “Camelot” “42nd Street,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
It was while touring with “Chitty,” that he began considering his life’s mission. In his role as assistant director in the beloved children’s musical about a magical flying car, he observed the giant prop and decided that “There must be something more to life than a $2 million dollar flying car.”
He took over at the NACC after serving in arts administration roles at the University at Buffalo, while also performing regularly at the Lancaster Opera House.
For more information, visit www.thenacc.org.