Georgetown Palace Appoints Marissa Austin to New Post of Executive Director

 

Marissa Austin (image via Hanover College)

The Board of Directors for Georgetown Palace Theatre, Inc., has hired its first executive director. Marissa Austin, new to Georgetown (and Texas), has most recently served as the director for external relations for the Rivers Institute at Hanover College in Indiana and is currently teaching college-level theatre courses for Concordia University. Marissa’s work with the Palace Theatre begins per contract on January 1, 2013, although she will be getting to know the members of the Board and other staff personnel through November and December.

Marissa earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts at Concordia University, St. Paul MN. Her graduate studies were also done there, resulting in a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Management. Relevant experience prior to her current involvement includes posts as director for alumni relations (Dubuque IA); administrative manager, College of Graduate and Continuing Studies (St. Paul MN); and event manager and office coordinator for conference and event services (St. Paul MN).

Ms. Austin’s job description as executive director includes managing the Palace’s vision and representing the Palace to the community. She will plan, direct, and develop a comprehensive advancement program among the community, corporate donors, and individual friends of the Palace Theatre. While income generation is job number one for this position, Marissa will also assume leadership of the Palace’s day-to-day administrative operations, overseeing the budget and strategic plan. The new executive director, in partnership with Artistic Director Mary Ellen Butler, will also oversee the raising of the revenues necessary to assure a sound financial base.

Marissa is married to Joe Austin, recently employed at Southwestern University in Georgetown to re-develop a major football program for the institution. They live in Georgetown.

The Historic Palace Theatre is located at 810 South Austin Avenue in downtown Georgetown and is part of the most beautiful Town Square in Texas!