City Manager Eric Anderson announced to City Council members today that Eli Ashley has resigned from his position as Executive Director of the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA). Josie Turner has been appointed as the BCPA Acting Executive Director, a role she will assume immediately. Turner is expected to fill the Acting Executive Director role through June 2006. 

Anderson also announced a reorganization of the City management structure to support the BCPA. Turner will report directly to Public Assembly Facilities Director Mike Combs.

“This reorganization will help address some of the issues that were raised earlier this year by the Performing Arts Steering Committee,” Anderson said. “Tying management of the City-owned theaters to the Public Assembly Facilities Department will ensure a clear line of command between the City and management of the theaters.”

The City also announced today that it will accept requests for qualifications and proposals (RFQ/P) for companies interested in operating the City’s theaters – the Pantages, the Rialto, Theatre on the Square and the Jones Building. Documents related to the RFQ/P process and requirements are posted on the City’s Web site at http://www.cityoftacoma.org/PerformingArtsManagement.html. The City will hold a walk-thru of the facilities for interested parties on Oct. 31, and RFQ/P responses will be due to the City on Nov. 30.

Turner works extensively with arts organizations in her role as the Community Initiatives Division Manager for the Tacoma Economic Development Department (TEDD), and she helped lead City staff in the work of the Performing Arts Steering Committee earlier this year.

“This is consistent with our commitment to support Tacoma’s performing arts organizations and the fundraising efforts of the BCPA,” Turner said. “I look forward to working with the Broadway Center board, resident arts organizations, funding community, City, and supporters of our performing arts to make this transition a complete success.”

“The BCPA board officers have been informed of this reorganization and they are supportive of the appointment of Josie Turner,” said Chris Algeo, chair of the BCPA board. “I am looking forward to working with Josie and creating an even stronger relationship with the City.”

Martha Anderson, TEDD Assistant Director, will manage the Community Initiatives Division while Turner is serving as the BCPA Acting Director.