(Chatham, NY, August 29, 2024) — After an extensive search process, Brian Edward Leach has been named Executive Director of the Crandell Theatre in Chatham, New York. On Thursday, September 12, from 5 – 7 pm, Leach will be welcomed by the community at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours reception hosted by the Crandell. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and learn more about the Crandell’s upcoming renovation. Reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting https://crandelltheatre.org/film/crandell-open-house-reception/ or calling 518-392-3445.
Leach has extensive background in arts administration, programming, fundraising, and marketing for arts organizations. He was previously Managing Director of the Colonial Theatre in Westerly, Rhode Island, and Marketing Director of PICT Classic Theatre and Pittsburgh Festival Opera. Earlier, he served as Curator of the art collection housed at Nemacolin Resort in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.
“My first priority is to guide the completion of the fundraising campaign for the renovation of the Crandell Theatre and to oversee the year-long construction,” says Leach. “Working with tremendous support from the board of directors, I look forward to building on the creative programming already taking place to stimulate and entertain Chatham’s moviegoing public while the theater is closed and after it reopens.”
According to Crandell board president, Lydia Kukoff, “The Crandell Theatre is a great Chatham treasure. Through the COVID closing and dramatic changes in the viewing habits of the public, the board has maintained its commitment to providing a full range of movies for a wide audience at reasonable prices. The theater has emerged more vital than ever. We are thrilled that Brian, with his great energy and ability, has joined us at this very important time in the life of our beloved theater. We hope that people will take the opportunity on September 12 to welcome Brian to the community.”