The National Performance Network is pleased to announced that Wesley V. Montgomery has accepted the position as Chief Operating Officer.  Wesley assumes his post as COO in mid-May.

Prior to joining the NPN staff, Wesley served as the Managing Director for New WORLD Theater, a program of the Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an NPN Partner organization.  His experience also encompasses significant work in arts education as well, having served as the inaugural Director of Education for New York City’s New Victory Theater, a New 42nd Street project, that served as a major anchor to the economic redevelopment efforts of the city’s famed 42nd street.  He has been an active member of local and national boards, having served in the past on the NPN, Amherst A Better Chance, and the NAMES Project Foundation boards of directors.

“This new role continues to underscore my support for artist-centered systems and artistic laboratories, and my commitment to participate actively in the ongoing conversation about how the arts innately represent, reflect and envision life.  Working with NPN in this new capacity offers me opportunities that are consistent with my vision of a future in which the arts have an important role in the lives of citizens across the country,” stated Mr. Montgomery, in a recent interview about accepting his new post.

MK Wegmann, President and CEO of NPN expresses delight about Mr. Montgomery joining the leadership of NPN as COO, succeeding June Wilson who has joined the staff of the Quixote Foundation in Seattle, WA.  “It’s great news that Wesley will be working with us in the national office, especially since he comes from within the ranks of NPN Partners.  His past leadership at New WORLD Theater and on the NPN board of directors has given him deep insight into our mission.  I look forward to working with Wesley in NPN’s home community and in our national and international programs.  He represents a new generation of arts leadership that holds great promise for the future.”