In looking for its first executive director, the nearly year-old Tivoli Foundation was looking for someone with an artistic background to manage the Tivoli Theatre and Memorial Auditorium, according to board Chairman Keith Sanford.
They believe they've found that person in Ashley McCue, who was introduced to the full board on Friday at noon on the Tivoli stage, where the board met for the announcement.
"The executive director of the foundation will be the face of the Tivoli and Memorial, and they will be the liaison between AC Entertainment [which has been contracted to manage and program the facilities], and the local groups like the symphony, ballets and boys choir," Sanford said.
AC will hire someone to be its local "feet on the ground," as well, Sanford said. Tom Bugg now is serving in that position on an interim basis for AC. McCue also will be responsible for finding sponsorship dollars and creating fundraising events with revenues going for both building improvements and maintenance and programming.
McCue said she will begin work on Oct. 1. She said her first priority is to travel to Knoxville, where AC is headquartered and where it operates the Tennessee and Bijou theaters.
The company also handles programming for Track 29 and The Revelry Room here, The Orange Peel in Asheville, Minglewood Hall in Memphis, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Marathon Music Works and Exit/In in Nashville and the Music Farm venues in Charleston and Columbia, S.C.
"What they've done in Knoxville is incredible, so I plan to learn as much as I can from them," McCue said. "I want to look at what they've done, as well as other cities, and tailor it for what works in Chattanooga."
She said Chattanooga and the two facilities have an advantage over other cities that worked to revitalize their old venues because of the renaissance that Chattanooga has undergone in so many other areas.
"There's never been a better time to live in Chattanooga," the Baylor School graduate said.
The city of Chattanooga turned over running the facilities to the newly formed Tivoli Foundation in February. It has committed to providing $1 million per year for five years, and is in the process of securing bids for a new heating and air-conditioning system at the Tivoli. Sanford said that project is expected to cost around $1 million.
"I think people thought they were just dumping the facilities," he said. "They haven't."
McCue has a background in film and photography, as well as marketing and fundraising. Most recently she has been the director of market development for MomSource, a company that helps find work for people with marketable skills but a desire to work from home or during non-traditional hours.
One of her clients, Sara Williams, has been hired as bookkeeper for the facilities. AC will handle staffing events, Sanford said.
Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.