The Marion Palace Theatre Board of Directors have announced that they have named Bev Ford Executive Director for the organization. As head of the historic Palace Theatre and the May Pavilion, Ford will oversee all financial, programming, staffing and development decisions.
According to Board Chair Scott Hoffman, Ford was unanimously selected by the board to serve in this capacity.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that Bev has accepted this position,” said Hoffman. “While we could have conducted a lengthy and expensive nationwide search for a new leader, we saw no reason to do so. Organizations all over the world promote from within, and when you have a well-liked, loyal, talented and driven employee already, then the decision is easy. The Board is confident that she will lead future growth of the two venues in significant ways–immediately and in the long term.”
“Bev has led every major effort at the Palace for the past several years, including improving box office services. Her leadership is transforming the Palace.”
Hoffman continued, “As a local resident, Bev has a keen sense of what national talent our local theatergoers want to see on stage. She also understands the Palace’s long tradition of providing a place for local artists to perform.”
Ford plans to implement a recent Board-developed initiative to expand the opportunities for locally-produced entertainment.
“We think this is important to our future success. We have many talented people who want, and deserve, an opportunity at the Palace. At the same time, we want to continue to bring nationally-known acts to the stage.”
Ford first came to the Theatre in 1998. Learning through a family member that theatre management was looking for help in the box office, Ford decided the Palace might be a fun place to work. She hasn’t been disappointed.
“Working at the Palace has never been boring. Every day things are changing. We’re always looking for better, more efficient ways to operate and keep the Palace an integral part of Marion’s fabric. Then, there’s programming. One day we’re seating thousands of elementary students for an entertaining, yet educational, undersea adventure, and a few days later, we’re transporting our senior patrons back to the 1940’s through the reenactment of a radio broadcast featuring Bob Hope and friends. Add in a movie, the Eco-Art Fest, and a wedding reception, and you get a picture of a typical week at the Palace. It’s a great place to work!”
Ford started her time at the Palace selling tickets but quickly found there was much more to working at the Theatre than just the box office. Ford set her mind to learning as much as possible about all aspects of the Palace. She welcomed new opportunities to expand her experiences.
“I give credit to the two former Executive Directors. They both gave me opportunities to grow into new roles at the Theatre. They had confidence in me and offered me on-the-job training that has proven invaluable to me.”
A little over a year into her employment, Ford was asked to consider taking over the marketing duties. From that time on, her job description continued to expand.
Since 2006, Ford has served as the Director of Theatre Operations and Marketing.
Hoffman noted the importance of the Palace to Marion. “Already this season, we’ve seen an increase in grants, business sponsorships and individual donations, exceeding last year. Obviously, these companies and individuals reflect the philosophy that culture is more than a frill. The Palace has a role in the quality-of-life competition. To attract and retain the very best companies, workers, managers and families, Marion needs a thriving cultural economy. Bev can lead that.”
Ford added, “Marionites want their children to perform on stage, to experience live theatre, and to learn history’s lessons. It’s an honor to be here.”
