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Connie Campanaro Ends Term At The Carolina Theatre
Posted: 02-04-2010 : DURHAM, N.C.
DURHAM, NC - Connie Campanaro announced today that she will resign as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. (CTD), to pursue new personal and professional opportunities.
After more than a decade at the Carolina Theatre, Campanaro has been decidedly successful. Under her direction, the CTD has ranked among the top five organizations of its kind in the Triangle region. The diversity of programs speaks to the achievement of Campanaro's vision of building a well-respected multidisciplinary arts center, with strong community support and capable staff. Under her leadership, audiences swelled, total revenue increased 54%, and program offerings grew 200%.
Under contract with the city of Durham, the CTD works to preserve the landmark facility, while providing civic, educational and cultural opportunities for Durham and beyond. "Connie has led with a steady hand even in difficult times such as a recession or facility construction. She has been a great resource in the process of growing Durham's cultural landscape, partnering with Durham's cultural groups and with DPAC." Mayor William "Bill" Bell also stated, "In addition to providing an environment for great live performances and movies, the economic impact of the Carolina Theatre has provided Durham its own economic stimulus to the amount of a $7.74 million overall impact (value added) last year to Durham's economy."
The historic 1926 facility was renovated and re-opened under new management in 1994. During the early years, financial debt mounted as management struggled to achieve the essential audience and donor support. In 2004, Campanaro was credited with bringing the organization "into the black," posting a fiscal year surplus eight consecutive years. She applied entrepreneurial ingenuity to everyday operations, creating a whole new paradigm for the non-profit corporation.
In her first two years on the job, Campanaro spearheaded a national awareness campaign. She bolstered relationships with national film distributors and tripled attendance at the Carolina's signature film festivals.
"She instinctively understood the need to steer our film festivals into a larger, nationally-recognized arena. In those days, the idea of expanding to national levels was a risky venture. We were, after all, just a small player on the festival circuit," said Jim Carl the Theatre's Senior Director. Steve Levine, Vice President of ICM, one of the world's largest talent agencies said, "The Carolina Theatre has been around more than 80 years, but the visibility of the theatre really increased tremendously once Connie took over. She really has done a great job in educating the industry as to the viability of the area and the theatre".
Campanaro said, "I am thankful to have been part of the revival phase of this marvelous organization. Its success is really to the credit of many people, including the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers, who I have had the good fortune to lead." Campanaro's resignation will become effective June 30, 2010 coinciding with the close of the Theatre's 16th season. The Theatre's Board approved Bob Nocek, vice president of the CTD, to serve as the new President and CEO. He was officially appointed President Elect at the organization's board meeting on January 26. Nocek has been responsible for the company operations, marketing, sales, audience services, volunteer and concessions programs for the last eight months. He has over eight years of professional experience in the arts and entertainment industry.
Campanaro is confident that the CTD's success will continue under Nocek's leadership and the leadership of the organization's Board of Trustees, adding "looking to the benefit of bright new leadership to expand the Theatre's opportunities, and my desire for more personal time, this was the best decision for all." Nahale Freeland-Kalfas, chair of the Board of Trustees, said, "Back in 2008 Connie informed the Board of her desire to slow down and eventually step down. While we were understandably disappointed we were grateful to have ample lead time for succession planning." Kalfas added, "I'm in a unique position to be able to empathize with Connie. My family is in the restaurant business and much like the theater business, it's a lifestyle not just a job. She certainly managed the demands of theater life expertly and we are grateful to Connie for her commitment to the organization. She is leaving the theatre in great shape and in good hands."
Nahale Freeland-Kalfas, chair
Carolina Theatre Board of Trustees
919-491-7793
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