Bedford Playhouse announces first Executive Director

Bedford Playhouse is excited to announce the hiring of its first Executive Director, Nicole Gardner.  
 
Nicole joins the Playhouse team from her prior position as Director of Development for the American Theatre Wing, which founded and co-produces the Tony Awards. She boasts nearly 20 years of experience working for not-for-profit organizations, including Park Avenue Armory and the Center for Arts Education.

Board Chair Sarah Long remarked, “Nicole has joined us at a crucial juncture. Over the summer, our small group of dedicated staff and volunteers have been handling a very complicated and diverse programming calendar in the main theater while still managing major construction in the rest of the facility. Nicole is now in place preparing for our opening and strategizing about our future. She has patience and vision and our staff and board are excited.”

This past May, Search Committee Co-Chairs Bill Jackson and Nick Firth managed to review over 100 applications and narrow the search down to two finalists. Ultimately Ms. Gardner received and accepted the offer last month. She began August 6th.

Playhouse Founder John Farr commented, “We looked long and hard to find just the right person to become our first Executive Director. In Nicole, we found a seasoned player in the non-profit arts world who knows just how to launch and grow an exciting new enterprise like ours. We are thrilled and grateful to have her on-board.”
 
Her arrival is perfectly timed, as the Playhouse works to complete its final phase of construction in time for its September 28-30 Grand Opening celebration.
 
“I am delighted and honored to join Bedford Playhouse as Executive Director,” Nicole added. “This role allows me to continue my work building cultural organizations while also pursuing my passion for bringing communities together and igniting minds through the arts. I look forward to working with the Bedford Playhouse Board and staff to create a welcoming and dynamic destination for inspiration, creativity, and dialogue in Northern Westchester.”

K
Submitted by Katonah, NY

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