Wendy McCain

When Wendy McCain takes the reins of Struthers Library Theatre on June 30, she will have some big shoes to fill.

McCain has been selected to follow Marcy O’Brien as the theater’s executive director.

O’Brien “leaves a legacy of remarkable accomplishments, placing the storied and historic theater on a stable path into the 21st century,” according to a release from the theater.

She was recently honored by the theater board. “On May 12, the trustees of the Struthers Library Theatre board honored these accomplishments by awarding O’Brien the Peacock Award,” according to the release.

She becomes only the eighth recipient of the award in the 135-year history of the facility

Under O’Brien’s leadership, which started in 2007, the theater went through two capital campaigns that resulted in the raising of $4 million.

That money was used in major restoration projects. The 98-year-old seats were replaced. The 80-year-old roof was replaced. The facility’s technical systems were modernized. Access for patrons was improved. The old marquee was more than doubled in length and changed from canvas to glass, steel, and light. A new elevator tower carries patrons to all levels of the structure and bears an original peacock sculpture.

O’Brien also drove the addition of new programming, according to the release, including the annual Celebrity Series shows, and classic movies with the help of Friends of the Library Theatre.

“Partnerships with Warren Players, the theater’s SLT Academy, and youth programs, Molly Dies Dance Experience, the Warren Concert Association, and Yankee Bush Productions, mean that the theatre is active and vibrant,” the release said. “Add into the mix corporate meetings, parties, weddings, classes, and rehearsals, the theater’s lights are on more than 250 nights a year.”

Another O’Brien venture, the Twin Tiers Theatre Consortium, brings together the leaders of rural theaters in Pennsylvania and New York to share ideas and solutions regarding the “common challenges for theaters in our region.”

Expectations for McCain may be high, but the theater leadership believes she is the right person for the job.

McCain spent her early years in Warren, attending Jefferson Elementary and Beaty-Warren Middle schools, before moving to Florida. Since she returned three years ago, she has joined numerous organizations — Woman’s Club, Crary Art Gallery, Warren County Historical Society, the Audubon Community Nature Center, and the theater.

“We have just completed a $2.8 million renovation to the theater, increasing access for all our patrons,” Treasurer Bob Crowley said. “It is thrilling to have a new executive director who recognizes the importance of this legacy and wants to work with us to build it forward.”

“Wendy’s experience is a wonderful fit for the historic Struthers Library Theatre,” according to the release. “She has a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and a project management professional (PMP) certification. Wendy has worked for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Her experience includes fundraising, event planning, grant writing, sponsorship attainment, and volunteer management.”

She has managerial, day-to-day operations, and budget experience, as well.

In previous work, McCain was a capital campaign officer for a non-profit entity, and she is currently working from home as the director of implementation and optimization for a Texas company.

“Wendy’s love of theater began early when her grandmothers took her to performances at Heinz Hall,” the release said. “Since her return to Warren, she has come to appreciate the cultural benefits of live theater, music, dance and film to the quality of Warren and its surrounding communities.”

“Wendy is thrilled to use her business experience in the executive director position along with the opportunity to tap into her creative side to continue the momentum of the efforts already underway,” the release said.

The whole search process was a testament to the success of the theater.

“We had 35 applications from around the country,” Board President Judge Maureen Skerda said. “So many candidates congratulated Warren on what we have accomplished with our historic theater and its active program.”

“We are very excited to work with Wendy to sustain existing programs and build the strength of the theater’s contributions to the community,” Skerda said.