Tina Salamone has been selected to replace Elaine Merchant, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

Salamone comes from the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Illinois.

There she served as the director of programming and technical director of the 1,900 seat building.

She has been involved in Illinois theater since 1982 as an actress, director, producer, and manager.

She has an undergraduate and master’s degree in art.

Merchant announced at the beginning of June she would step down after 13 years at the head of the non-profit theater.

During her career, Merchant has seen the Palace rebound including the opening of the successful May Pavilion.

She will stay on through the month to work with Salamone.