Dear Friends,

I am writing today on behalf of the Board of Directors of The Umbrella Arts Center to share that Executive Director Jerry Wedge has announced that, following the successful completion of the strategic goals and plans set forth during his leadership, he has made the decision to step down from his position at the end of June 2024.

Jerry has been an exceptional leader with a singular ability to attract and develop a talented staff and build a board that is committed to creating an inspirational and inclusive center for the arts. During his 12-year tenure, Jerry led the organization through the construction of its new state-of-the-art facility and the challenging years of pandemic that followed to its current state as a thriving center for the arts in the Metro West region. His work at The Umbrella will have a long-lasting impact.

An artist and architect, Jerry joined The Umbrella in 2012 at the forefront of planning for the building expansion. Over the course of the next decade plus, he oversaw the transition of The Umbrella Stage Company to a professional Actors Equity affiliated company, helped to develop the Artist Residencies as part of the artist studios, and most recently added even more capacity to the wildly popular Ceramics Studio. His leadership transformed The Umbrella into a dynamic cultural center.

Jerry's announcement stated, “I am incredibly proud of the work we have done over the past twelve years. My colleagues are second to none, and our work together at The Umbrella has been some of the most rewarding work of my career. I will be leaving at a time when The Umbrella is positioned to continue to provide the region with world-class programming. I look forward to returning as a supporter and seeing the creative initiatives that lie ahead.”

The Board will begin a process to select the next leader of The Umbrella in the new year. We are committed to a smooth transition and a strong and vibrant center for the arts in Concord.

We look forward to inviting the community to join together with the staff and Board in the months ahead to celebrate and recognize Jerry’s tremendous contribution to our community.

Thank you and ever forward,
Ellen McHale
Board Chair