Green named executive director of UW-Green Bay’s Weidner Center
Kate Green
Chancellor Tom Harden announced the selection today (Tuesday, Aug. 14) to conclude a nationwide search. Green will begin her new duties Sept. 1.
“Kate’s knowledge of the industry and market and her enthusiasm for the performing arts made her the clear choice among a strong pool of candidates,” Harden said. “As we move forward with plans to revitalize the Weidner Center and better realize its potential, we do so with great confidence in Kate Green as executive director.”
Green currently serves as the Weidner Center’s general manager. She rejoined UW-Green Bay in a Weidner leadership position in July 2011. Her previous involvement with the center included five years as president of the independent non-profit community organization Weidner Center Presents, Inc. (2006-11) and earlier tenures as the facility’s group sales manager (1993-2003) and ticket office supervisor (1997-1999).
She also spent three years (2003-2006) as director of marketing and partnerships for the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Green earned her bachelor’s degree at UW-Green Bay in 1999 with a major in communication and a minor in information science. She is pursuing a Master’s of Management degree from the University.
“Kate is a proud UW-Green Bay graduate who has impressed colleagues in this community, our region and beyond with her professional expertise and expansive vision for the arts,” Harden said.
He noted that since her return to the University staff a year ago, Green has been instrumental in shaping a reinvigorated future for the Weidner.
Results so far include a 2012-13 Weidner Center Performing Arts Season that will kick off in September and mark the most ambitious series in years. Additional highlights are the continuation of the popular daytime educational series for schoolchildren, a successful run for the University’s spring 2012 production of Cabaret, the move of Green Bay Symphony Orchestra offices to the Weidner, and preparations to observe the center’s 20th anniversary in early 2013.
Harden had announced last December that, as part of UW-Green Bay’s larger strategic planning, the University would implement a five-year business plan for the Weidner to encourage greater community and campus use, expand programming and ensure sustainable funding. University officials engaged a consultant and met with various campus and community stakeholder groups to formulate that plan.
An increase in staffing levels was identified as a priority, including restoration of the executive director’s position. The position was shelved in 2005 when UW-Green Bay stepped back from being the Weidner’s primary programmer in the face of annual operating losses and a challenging economy.
As executive director, Green is charged with overseeing programming, financial management and day-to-day operations of the Weidner Center, with additional responsibilities in the areas of community relations, cultivating partnerships and securing underwriting.
The Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, located near the center of UW-Green Bay’s bayshore campus on the northeast side of the city of Green Bay, is known for its elegant design and the acoustic excellence of its 2,000-seat main hall, Cofrin Family Hall. It also houses two smaller performance spaces, the Fort Howard recital hall and the Jean Weidner Theatre, along with a dance studio and grand foyer. The center is a home for UW-Green Bay music and theatre productions, the Green Bay Symphony, community events and productions, and performances by visiting artists and touring companies.
