The longtime city of Kent cultural programs manager is one of six finalists to be executive director for the city of Federal Way’s new Performing Arts and Conference Center.
Ronda Billerbeck, who has worked for the city since 1996 and became programs manager in 2000, will join the other candidates to meet Federal Way residents at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, at City Hall, 33325 Eighth Ave. S.
Billerbeck’s job duties include lining up performers for the city of Kent Spotlight Series of concerts.
“I’m delighted at the talent and experience represented by the finalists and I hope the public can join us and meet these talented candidates,” Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said. “Selection of the executive director for the Performing Arts and Conference Center is a critical decision for the ultimate success of the facility.”
The executive director is responsible for establishing and managing the new facility, including hiring and managing staff, programming for the initial season and establishing and meeting solid financial operation goals. The salary range for the position is $90,000 to $120,000.
Construction is expected to start this fall on the $32 million city facility near the Federal Way Transit Center
The six finalists are:
• Ronda S. Billerbeck, the cultural programs manager for the city of Kent
• Kevin Cochran, the founding CEO/artistic director of the Grove Theater Center in Long Beach, California
• Jaymi Gilmour-Crowley, theater manager of the Cam-Plex Multi-Events Facility in Gillette, Wyoming
• Joseph McIalwain, executive director of the Edmonds Public Facilities District/Edmonds Center for the Arts
• Troy Skubitz, director of Benaroya Hall in Seattle
• Theresa Yvonne, performing arts manager for the Lancaster Performing Arts Center in Lancaster, California
City officials are looking for a dynamic, organized, highly energetic, results-oriented and seasoned professional to serve as its executive director.
The ideal candidate will combine an exciting artistic vision with a comprehensive business strategy to grow the center.
The meeting will offer residents a chance to meet candidates in an informal setting, along with Ferrell and the City Council. The public meeting will cap a full day of interviews for the candidates.
In the days following the interviews and public meeting, Ferrell will make a final selection and forward that candidate to the City Council for confirmation. The mayor hopes to have the executive director begin work for the city prior to April 15.
The Federal Way Mirror contributed to this story.
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