By Steed

The retirement of Paul Mathews who lead the Marcus Performance Center over 20 years is stepping down to make room for the first Female leader at Marcus Performance Center history Kendra Whitlock Ingram.  Kendra most recently served as Executive Director of the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts, where she was nationally recognized for the caliber of new programming, the depth of community engagement and the financial health of the organization. During her tenure, the organization increased subscription packages by 200% and achieved budget surpluses every year.  

Kendra brings more than 20 years of performing arts experience to the role. Prior to her work at the Newman Center, she was Vice President of Programming and Education at the Omaha Performing Arts Center. She has also held leadership roles with the Shenandoah Conservatory, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and Tulsa Philharmonic. She has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Duquesne University, a master’s degree in business administration, from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and is an alumna of the League of American Orchestras’ Orchestra Management Fellowship Program. Ingram’s volunteer work within the performing arts industry includes board service on several organizations including: the Association of Performing Arts Professionals; the Denver School of the Arts Friends Foundation; the City of Denver Cultural Commission; and the Western Arts Alliance Conference Committee. She previously served as a member of the Denver Arts and Diversity Leadership Council; the Denver Arts and Venues Music Strategy Advisory Panel; and The Broadway League’s diversity committee. Ingram will be the first female President  & CEO in the 50-year history of the Marcus Center.

“One of the big driven decision makers for me to really want to be there was that Milwaukee is so diverse, which I’m excited about.  I’m so excited to see what’s happening already in the community I know it’s a lot.  We look to build programming that have national touring artists featuring artist of color specific Black and Latino also focus on women arts leaders.”  Stated President Kendra Whitlock Ingram who’s schedule to begin her duties March of 2020.