Spokane Symphony Official Appointed Festival Director Ron Wasson Becomes Executive Director For Sandpoint Program
The Festival At Sandpoint didn’t need to go far to find a new executive director.
The Spokane Symphony’s director of operations, Ron Wasson, was named to the post Wednesday.
He was selected after a nationwide search that drew about 35 applicants.
“To have someone on board full time is a big stride for us,” said festival President Dave Slaughter. “Ron has the skills we need in administration, fund raising and the arts, and will bring us some stability.”
Wasson, 35, was head of operations and education for the symphony for five years. He will take over at the festival in two weeks and relocate to Sandpoint with his family in the next two months.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to digging in and putting on a good summer season,” Wasson said.
“I have seen a renewed dedication on the part of the board and the community to make the festival happen again this year.”
Wasson will earn $36,000 annually as director and take on fund raising, marketing and community relations duties. The festival board recently consolidated those positions to save money.
The festival has struggled the last year under a $90,000 debt, caused mainly by poor ticket sales last summer. The non-profit group is also trying to rebound from months of internal turmoil. Three paid staffers and the executive director of four years, Connie Berghan, all resigned several months ago after a disagreement with the board. Two of the staffers are now suing the festival for back wages.
Despite all that, Slaughter said the festival is making a strong comeback.
The organization has raised about $46,000 toward a $75,000 matching grant from Coldwater Creek. Money owed to creditors is being paid off. Performers for the summer concert series will be booked by the end of the month and now a full-time staff is on board.
“Things are going well. We are still a little behind the curve, but we are catching up big time,” Slaughter said. “But our new director still has a tremendous amount of work to do as soon as he arrives.”
Wasson is a Spokane native with a communications degree from Gonzaga University. In the past he worked in the graphic arts business and was president of the Spokane North Lions Club.
, DataTimes