PRESS RELEASE
Mike Harrington announced as new Wheeler Opera House executive director
City of Aspen hires longtime arts leader with over two decades of experience
Aspen, CO— The city of Aspen and the Wheeler Opera House announces that Michael Harrington will join the Wheeler Opera House as the new executive director, becoming an integral part of the arts community in Aspen.
“We are excited to have Mike lead the Wheeler Opera House and are confident that he will be an excellent addition to the arts and culture community in Aspen,” said Diane Foster, assistant city manager. “He brings a wealth of experience in leadership and innovation, and we look forward to working with him as he leads the Wheeler Opera House.”
Harrington, who spent most of his career in New York City, will bring 22 years of experience leading arts organizations in strategic planning, nonprofit board management, organizational development, and the creation of community arts programs.
“Since 1918, when the city of Aspen purchased the Wheeler Opera House, this community has demonstrated a commitment to the arts, culture, creativity, and exceptional entertainment,” Harrington said. “I am thrilled to have been asked to be a steward of this jewel and look forward to bolstering the Wheeler’s potential as a beacon for excellence and access to the arts in – and for – Aspen.”
Some of Harrington’s most notable career achievements include serving as the executive director and president of TheaterWorksUSA, one of North America’s premier producers of theater for young and family audiences, where he negotiated strategic partnerships with commercial and nonprofit entities, generating significant revenue and initiating programs that added immediate value of over $2 million. Additionally, as executive director at NYU Skirball Center, Harrington established and cultivated strategic partnerships with notable organizations, including The Public Theater, DOC NYC, Hip Hop Theater Festival, World Music Institute, Live Nation, New York Comedy Festival, NBC, HBO Sports, and the World Science Festival.
City leadership, along with the Wheeler Opera House staff members, were involved in the extensive selection process for the next executive director of the Wheeler Opera House. The final three candidates participated in a community meet and greet event at the Wheeler Opera House where each individual had the opportunity to speak with community members.
Foster shared that the decision to select Harrington was difficult, as there were several highly qualified candidates, but his deep passion for the arts, commitment to building genuine relationships, and extensive experience in leadership and strategic planning differentiated him from the rest of the candidates.
In addition to his notable career achievements, Harrington’s background includes serving as the university director of arts advancement at Long Island University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music with a major in vocal performance from New York University’s Steinhardt School and an executive Master of Business Administration.
Harrington's programming has received acclaim from Rolling Stone magazine and The New York Times and won the 2014 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. He has produced, presented, and collaborated with renowned artists such as Neil Diamond, Savion Glover, Cynthia Erivo, Dav Pilkey, Esperanza Spalding, She & Him, Jake Shimabukuro, Ziggy Marley, Zach Galifianakis, and many others.
Harrington will start in Aspen on September 23.
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For more information, please contact:
Diane Foster, Assistant City Manager
Email: diane.foster@aspen.gov
Phone: (970)-920-5296
Mariela Hale, Digital Communications Coordinator
Phone: (970) 309-9959
Email: mariela.hale@aspen.gov.