June 5, 2024

The Numerica Performing Arts Center (PAC) recently announced that Katie Grove has been hired as their interim Executive Director.

Grove’s employment follows the departure of former Executive Director J. Woody Lotts in
December 2023.

“The Board’s goal in filling the executive director role was to find someone with exceptional
people skills, prior experience in team building, a proven background in budgeting and financial
matters and a love for the performing arts,’ said board chairperson Steve Robinson. “We also
said our preference was to “hire local,” if we could find the right person,” added Robinson.
“Katie Grove met all those characteristics several times over,” said Robinson. “We’re ecstatic
she accepted our offer to join a team of already talented staff,” added Robinson.
“Katie impressed us with her balance of financial acumen and strong people skills. She stood
out from all the candidates as the right fit for our needs. We are excited to work with her,” said
Lisa Turner, chairperson of the board of directors search committee.

Katie’s career is driven by her passion for storytelling and highlighting the heart of organizations.
She has held key roles at Spring Arbor University, a technology company, CMI Orchards,
CVCH, and Confluence Health. Though initially planning to stay in Wenatchee for just a year
when she moved here in 2008 from Michigan, Katie has made Wenatchee her home. Her
professional focus on storytelling and showcasing the people behind the scenes has
consistently fostered deeper connections with patrons and increased their affinity for the
organizations she serves.

Grove has also served on the board of directors of Pybus Market Charitable Foundation and
Wenatchee Pride.

Grove expressed her admiration for the PAC, stating, “I have always loved and supported the
PAC. It plays a critical, multi-faceted role in our community. Festival of Trees is such a fun
community event to kick off the holidays and “Every Kid at the PAC” is such an important
program to expose school children to the performing arts,” said Grove.

“The PAC celebrates its 25th year anniversary in 2025 and my goal is to ensure it remains a
vibrant center for performing arts for the next 25 years,” added Grove.

In her new role, starting in mid-June, Grove will focus on ensuring the financial sustainability of
the PAC, connecting with donors and business partners, and ensuring the PAC programming
resonates with a broad, diverse demographic.

“I’m excited to be joining the PAC just before the “Hot August Nights” run of performances and
the announcement of our 2024-25 season,” added Grove.

“I want to acknowledge the disciplined work of the Board of Directors in this search process and
thank the staff for their work while the PAC has been short-staffed,” added Robinson.June