The C.L. Hoover Opera House has named its new Executive Director’s.

Joe and Sheila Markley were hired Wednesday by the Opera House Foundation Board as Co-Executive Directors. Barbara Craft, Board Chair explained that they will both fill the role of Executive Director and will have different duties.

“Sheila’s responsibilities primarily will be fundraising and grant writing, she will also help out with other responsibilities when Joe needs help, but those will be here primary responsibilities,” said Craft.

“Joe’s primary responsibilities are programing, working with the budget, overseeing personnel, reporting to the Opera House Board and working closely with the board, and maintenance of the facility.”

Joe has served as the Interim Executive Director for the past ten months, following the resignation of Randy West last November.

He explained that one of his goals in the coming months will be to see more people coming to the people,”having that feeling that the Opera House is a part of their community and something that they want to be a part of here.”

Markley added that he also wants to see the Opera House continue to have affordable ticket prices that attract more people to the Opera House.

Sheila Markely explained that a goal for her is to help secure the future of the Opera House through funding.

“I believe that if we’re doing right by the Opera House then our goals will be to ensure the future of the Opera House by beginning to get a routine for everything, whether it’s maintenance, programing, securing funds, an endowment fund that says that we will have a future for this facility for this offering to the community, not for just two years, but for 10, 15 and 20 years down the road.”

While they are Co-Executive Directors they are filling just one position and each are expected to work approximately 20 hours a week.