A memorandum of understanding was unanimously agreed upon by both boards, in which the Reg Lenna would permanently join of the NCC upon the completion of due diligence, the finalization of a definitive agreement, and the final approval of each board.

The Reg Lenna board of directors recently approached the NCC board to explore an enhanced partnership in which the two organizations would restructure to help support both organizations’ missions and long-term goals. Following the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding by both boards earlier this week, a task force comprised of board members and staff from both organizations will now be created to finalize the new organizational structure and to develop a long term business plan, while leveraging the synergies and efficiencies of a combined entity.

The move comes following the announced departure of Reg Lenna executive director Kathleen Eads, who announced she would be resigning at the end of September in order to take a position at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. to be the new director of theater operations for the school’s performing arts center.

“We’re so proud of the team at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, and what it has achieved in recent years. Thanks, in part, to local foundation support, we have completed a significant renovation that positions us for future growth. Now is the perfect time to explore a partnership with the National Comedy Center in expanding our reach and programming opportunities, and achieving sustainability,” stated Maria Kindberg, president of the Reg Lenna Board of Directors.

“As the longest standing arts and cultural organization in the community, the Reg Lenna will continue to strengthen vital connections. As we explore enhanced partnership opportunities with the National Comedy Center, we will focus on better meeting our mission of inspiring, educating and empowering an engaged community.  Joining forces with the Comedy Center will assist us in doing so,” stated Phin DeMink, Vice President of the Reg Lenna Board of Directors.

“The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is a true jewel for Jamestown and Western New York,” stated Tom Benson, NCC project chairman. “By joining forces with the National Comedy Center, our two outstanding organizations can help fulfill our respective missions, while growing our brands and reaching new audiences more effectively – the National Comedy Center as a national-scale attraction and the Reg Lenna Center as the hub for arts and culture in our local community.”

The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, located at 116 E. Third Street in downtown Jamestown, will continue host a broad range of events including live concerts, movies, ballet, orchestras, gallery shows, comedy performances and more.

NOTE: WRFA’s license is owned by the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and station employees are part of the Reg Lenna staff. 

The interior of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.

JAMESTOWN – One of the leading arts organizations in Chautauqua County has found its new executive director.

The Reg Lenna Center For the Arts board of director has appointed Kathleen Eads to the position of Executive Director. A native of California, Eads has been working in theater and performing arts for over 25 years, most recently as Managing Director of the Antaeus Company in Los Angeles. During the last decade, she has also worked for Disney Theatrical as their Senior Broadway Marketing Manager and was also instrumental in the creation of Baruch College’s Performing Arts Center, serving as its first General Manager and Director.

Eads’ appointment was made following a comprehensive search and interview process by both the Reg Lenna’s board of directors, staff and various community partners. Her first day on the job will be Monday, January 6.

Eads says she looks forward to utilizing her broad background in the arts to serve the Reg Lenna Center For The Arts and the greater Jamestown Community. Under her direction, the organization will continue to work with community organizations, sponsors, production partners and schools to bring a diverse season of arts and educational opportunities to the area. The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is also the license holder for WRFA Radio in Jamestown.

Earlier this year, the Reg Lenna Civic Center and the Arts Council for Chautauqua County merged to become one agency, now known as the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Neither organization has had an executive director for the past several years.

For more information on Reg Lenna Center For The Arts and its programs, visit reglenna.com or call 716-664-2465.