Nazareth College Arts Center names new Executive Director
The Nazareth College Arts Center is pleased to announce that, following a national search, Rita J. Mannelli has been named Executive Director. Mannelli’s strengths in community engagement and communication will enable her to work with students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and patrons as the Arts Center prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening.
“On behalf of the entire Nazareth community, I am pleased to welcome Rita Mannelli as executive director of the Arts Center,” said Daan Braveman, president, Nazareth College. “Rita’s proven track record in arts administration will position her to carry on the Arts Center’s longstanding tradition of presenting innovative arts experiences for audiences of all ages. Her background in higher education makes her an excellent partner for Nazareth’s academic majors in the visual and performing arts. As the Arts Center embarks on its next 50 years, I believe we have found the ideal leader in Rita.”
Mannelli comes to Nazareth from DePaul University in Chicago, where—as Director of Marketing and Communications for the School of Music since 2006—she directed the overhaul of the school’s recruitment strategy; worked to elevate the school’s brand to prospective students, donors, and the community; and managed the school’s centennial celebration. She has a strong background in non-profit performing arts, having previously served as Marketing Director at Metro Theatre Company in St. Louis, Missouri. At Metro Theatre Company, a mid-sized touring theatre for young people, she grew the Family Performance Series audience by 75% in three years and increased bookings by 50%.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at the Nazareth College Arts Center,” said Mannelli. “It is an honor to serve as Executive Director and to continue to enrich the lives of the Nazareth community and of arts patrons throughout the Rochester area with the Arts Center’s diverse cultural offerings.”
Mannelli holds an M.A. in public relations and advertising from DePaul University and a B.A. in speech communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has served as a grant evaluator for the Missouri Arts Council, was a member of the DePaul Women’s Network, and is currently a member of Friends of the Arts in Brighton.
Since 1967, the NAZARETH COLLEGE ARTS CENTER has served as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts. The Arts Center’s subscription series and K-12 school performance series provide area residents of all ages with opportunities to experience world-class dance, multi-cultural entertainment, family programming, music, theatre, and special events. The Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre and Dance present exceptional productions, recitals, and exhibitions, which are open to the public, while preparing students for successful careers in arts-related fields.The Nazareth College Arts Center is the performance home of the Rochester City Ballet and world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance; and is home to the Bach Children’s Chorus.
For More Information
Mare Millow | Marketing & Publicity Manager | Nazareth College Arts Center | mmillow7@naz.edu | 585-389-2093
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
