BALLET WEST APPOINTS CONSULTING FIRM
TO ASSIST IN SEARCH FOR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SALT LAKE CITY – March 15, 2013 – Ballet West’s Executive Search Committee has engaged Los Angeles-based firm Michelle Whiting & Associates to assist the company in its Executive Director search process. Current Executive Director Johann Jacobs will continue in this position until his employment agreement ends June 30, 2013.

According to incoming Ballet West Board Chair Victor Rickman, the selection of the new Executive Director is critical in continuing to build upon the national and international reputation that Ballet West has established in its nearly 50-year history. Rickman will take the helm of Ballet West’s Board of Trustees July 1.

“With the company’s Golden Anniversary approaching, the selection of a new Executive Director is an important step in the progression of what is one of America’s premier ballet companies,” said Rickman. “Not only must the Executive Director help to further the financial recovery plan initiated by the Board of Directors and Management, he or she must also support the continued development of fine artistry necessary to propel the company into its next fifty years. We feel that Michelle Whiting and Associates has demonstrated the ability to assist us in finding the type of candidate who can do both. We’re confident that, together, we’ll find the right person for this important position.”

Michelle Whiting & Associates (MWA) is an accomplished nonprofit consulting group whose comprehensive chief executive and chief development officer recruitment efforts have resulted in successful leadership placement at over 35 organizations throughout the country.

“This position is currently the most exciting leadership opening in North America,” said Michelle Whiting, founder of MWA. “We are thrilled to have been chosen for this very important undertaking and are honored to be working with one of the nation’s foremost ballet companies. We believe that we have a proven track record to evaluate and carefully select a pool of first-rate candidates for Ballet West.”

# # #