“William B. Conner, Jr., the president and CEO of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts as well as a leading figure in the Columbus arts community, passed away Friday after a two-year battle with cancer,” writes Gabe Rosenberg on Friday (10/28) at radio station WOSU (Columbus, OH). The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is one of CAPA’s resident companies. “ ‘Bill was a tireless champion for the arts, a fearless visionary, a born leader, and most importantly, a good friend,’ wrote Richard Helmreich, chair of the CAPA Board of Trustees, in a statement. … Appointed as president and CEO in 2002, Conner oversaw CAPA’s shared service business model and partnerships with a number of local organizations. His 14-year tenure also included CAPA’s multi-million dollar renovations of the Lincoln and Drexel Theatres, its purchase of the Central Presbyterian Church, and partnership with Broadway Across America. Chad Whittington, CAPA executive vice president and COO, will serve as interim president and CEO. In addition to his work with CAPA, Conner helped found the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium, and took on production of Festival Latino, now Ohio’s largest Latin event … Details on a public memorial service are forthcoming.”
Posted October 31, 2016
