We just received the official announcement from the Gillioz Theatre that executive director Jeff Jenkins will be stepping down and Michael Owens (currently the Director of Operations) will be taking his place.
Official announcement:
Executive Director Jeff Jenkins announced he will be resigning from his position at the Gillioz Theatre effective immediately. Jeff has been with the theatre since November of 2009 and has made significant strides to help re-brand the historic theatre as a premier arts destination in downtown Springfield. While Mr. Jenkins has been at the helm, local favorites such at Ozark Mountain Dare Devils, and nationally known acts such as Blues Traveler, Dar Williams and Switchfoot (performing Friday, August 20) have been booked to perform at the Gillioz. Jeff will be focusing his time on The Skinny Improv and other personal projects.
David Roling, President of the Gillioz Board stated, “The past several years have demanded a business operating model for the Theatre that is responsive to the communities thirst for entertainment and the arts. Jeff has helped to build a platform that continues to distinguish the Theatre as one that delivers the variety and quality expected of this remarkable and unique Ozark gem. The Board and I are enthusiastic and confident in the professionalism and leadership of Michael Owens as the Theatre’s Director as we enter the Theatre’s fall schedule of programming and beyond. While the Board continues to embrace challenges associated with the operating debt associated with the Theatre’s renovation, our management and operating team has achieved continued progress in identifying entertainment that is responsive in terms of much needed revenue for the Theatre while achieving operational efficiencies. With this trend, the future of the Theatre is indeed very promising. ”
Michael Owens, Director of Operations, will assume the role of managing the theatre. Michael is a graduate of MSU’s Entertainment Management program and comes from an entertainment and venue management background, including experience with the global concert promotion company, Live Nation.
Dr. Philip Rothschild, Gillioz Board member and professor of Entertainment Management at MSU, stated, “We’ll miss Jeff Jenkins. He has been an asset to the Springfield community. I am confident Michael Owens will step into this leadership role, and serve the Gillioz and Springfield area well. We expect great things to come from Michael’s direction.”
Jeff Jenkins continues his work with The Skinny Improv and various theatre productions including the Springfield Shakespeare Project.
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