Connelly replaces former executive director Kate Castle, who has left to pursue a new career path at Ithaca College, according to an Earlville Opera House news release.
Connelly brings 20 years’ experience in nonprofit administration and development from her previous positions with the Chenango County Council of the Arts and the Research Foundation for the State University of New York.
“With her experience and her outstanding networking and administrative skills the Board anticipates an exciting period of growth under Michelle’s leadership, which will begin August 14,” the Opera House said in the release. “The Board wishes to express their sincere thanks for Ms. Castle’s leadership and wishes her success in her new position.”
The executive-director position provides leadership and management for all Opera House activities and assets with emphasis upon programming and fundraising, according to the organization’s website.
The Earlville Opera House Arts Center — founded in 1970 as a not-for-profit, volunteer-based, community service organization — offers visual and performing arts and promotes, preserves, and restores the architectural and historic integrity of the Earlville Opera House, a second-story theater constructed in 1892.
The Opera House is located on Route 12B, about five miles south of Hamilton, home of Colgate University.
Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Earlville Opera House Twitter page