Molly Rowan-Deckart Brings her Arts and Cinema Passion to Ann Arbor.
She is the first female CEO of the Michigan Theater in nearly 100 years.
Ann Arbor, MI, November 1, 2024 – The Michigan and State Theaters will welcome a new leader in the New Year. The governing Board of this community-based, mission driven non-profit organization is proud to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Molly Rowan-Deckart has devoted her career to the arts and cinema sectors, including lobbying for public policy and funding to support the arts. Molly has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Boise State University and has been recognized as the Business Leader of the Year by the Florida Alliance for Arts Education, and as an Idaho Woman of the Year.
Ms. Rowan-Deckart has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for the Arts in Ft. Myers, Florida, and, previously, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Boise Film Foundation. In these roles, Molly led a team providing programs and community engagements, as well as advocating for legislative policy change at the state level. She sees her leadership role at Marquee Arts (formerly Michigan Theater Foundation) as a tremendous opportunity in an amazing community. She is thrilled to be relocating to Michigan, where she can enjoy the many benefits of living in Washtenaw County with her family.
“I look forward to serving the community and members of the State and Michigan theaters and promoting our mission and programs in the community. The staff and Board of Marquee Arts are exceptional, and it will be a privilege to lead this team. I’m especially excited to dive into the rich artistic culture here in Michigan and to engage with the vibrant community of Washtenaw County,” said Rowan-Deckart.
“The Michigan and State theaters have been a vibrant artistic community presence for nearly 97 years. The role of CEO is incredibly important to our community, members and mission. We are thrilled to have Molly Rowan-Deckart joining us; her vast executive experience in arts advocacy and programming make her uniquely qualified for this very critical role,” stated Kathy White, Chair of the Board at Marquee Arts.
About Marquee Arts – Operators of the historic State and Michigan theaters, Marquee Arts (formerly Michigan Theater Foundation) is a Michigan-based nonprofit committed to keeping community inspiration alive through the preservation and programming of two historic theaters. Rowan-Deckart will be the first woman CEO of the Michigan Theater in nearly 100 years of history.
Under the leadership of Russ Collins, the Executive Director/CEO of the State and Michigan Theaters for over 40 years, this nonprofit organization experienced a remarkable period of growth and transformation. This was done by fostering creative community partnerships and engaging in multiple capital campaigns. Collins was instrumental in the restoration/renovation and programming of both historic theaters and successfully built a national/international reputation for the organization. Prior to Collins’ tenure, the Michigan Theater was led by Gerald Hoag from its opening in 1928 to Hoag’s retirement in 1974.
There will be a special celebration of Russ Collins’s tenure on January 5, the 97th anniversary of the Michigan Theater’s opening day.
