Locally beloved performing arts nonprofit Bardavon announced Friday that Bryan Zellmer will be its new executive director after many years under the leadership of Chris Silva.
Zellmer, originally from Orange County, managed nonprofits across the country for the last two decades, presenting performances at historic venues. He will now steward New York’s oldest continuously operating theater, the Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie, as well as Kingston’s Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC).
“I’m very excited to be returning to the Hudson Valley, the place I’ve always referred to as home,” said Zellmer in a press release. “I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the communities of Dutchess and Ulster Counties and continuing the mission to engage, inspire and entertain audiences.”
Silva and Stephen LaMarca will stay with Bardavon to continue to assist in booking performances, but will step down from their managing director roles.