Karen Austin

The Struthers Library Theatre has appointed Karen Austin to serve as interim executive director.

The Board of Trustees announced the decision on Tuesday.

“The entire Board is thrilled that Karen Austin has agreed to serve as interim executive director while we conduct a search for a new executive director,” Board President Susan Stout explained. “She brings so much talent and energy and such a collaborative spirit to the role. We are very fortunate that she has agreed to step up and serve in transition.”

A statement from the Struthers highlights Austin’s “wealth of management experience” and “knowledge of the arts as a performer and director.”

She currently works as a volunteer and is on the Board of Trustees.

“I think that the Struthers Library Theatre is an absolute gem,” Austin said. “It has been so thrilling to see the diversity and vitality of its programming and I am excited to have this opportunity to ensure continuity and ongoing progress.”

The statement from the board says Austin is “familiar with Theatre operations and will work with the current staff to ensure the continuation of programming, communications, and events to allow for a smooth transition and uphold the Theatre’s tradition of excellence in serving Warren and the surrounding region.”

A graduate of Longwood University in Virginia, Austin serves on several other local boards and organizations. She lives in Warren with her husband, Greg.

“I look forward to strengthening relationships with Theatre partners and the community – our very generous donors, Warren Players, Friends of the Library Theatre, the Theatre’s own ARTE program for youth, Yankee Bush Productions, and others,” Austin said. “Having served on the Board of Trustees, I have the utmost respect for the Board and look forward to working with them to keep the Theatre moving into an exciting future.”

Austin, according to the theatre, led a Karaoke event at Sally’s Encore on July 3 and was “instrumental this spring in building a plan to restore the third floor Rehearsal Hall, from bid specifications to funding.”

The position of executive director became vacant in the wake of Wendy McCain’s resignation last week.

Stout said the board accepted McCain’s resignation at its July meeting.

“We also wish to express our gratitude for the accomplishments made by Ms. McCain during her recently completed tenure,” Stout said.