Tennessee Theatre Executive Directed Appointed to National Historic Theater Board

Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock has been appointed to the board of directors of the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) at its annual conference in Nashville.

Founded in 1976, LHAT is the nation's foremost national association of historic theaters, opera houses and movie palaces with more than 300 historic venues represented across the country from grand Broadway theaters in New York to small town theaters on Main Street.

"The Historic Tennessee Theatre is a one-of-a-kind, magnificent theater, and we are proud to have this premier venue as an active member," LHAT President and CEO Ken Stein said. "Becky and the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation oversee the Tennessee Theatre with efficiency and creativity, and their efforts have helped create amazing support for this national treasure. I am excited for her to bring that passion to our board of directors."

"Our board members are active volunteers in the League as well as strong champions for the valuable role historic theatres can play in the life of their communities," said John Bell, LHAT Board Chair and President/CEO of the Tampa Theatre in Florida. "The League is fortunate to have their experience and leadership."

Hancock's three-year term on the board will begin in January 2016 with a renewal option for an additional three years. Current board members nominate and vote on the selection, and Hancock's appointment was confirmed with a ratifying membership vote at the organization's annual conference last week. Hancock has been an active member of LHAT since 2003 while serving as general manager of the Tennessee Theatre during the theater's restoration.

The prestigious LHAT board of directors includes leadership from such industry giants as Disney Theatrical Group, Americans for the Arts, The Shubert Organization and the Nederlander Producing Company. The board also includes representation from two companies that were instrumental in the 2005 restoration of the Tennessee Theatre. Westlake Reed Leskosky, Cleveland-based architecture firm specializing in historic theaters, were consulting architects on the project, and Plymouth Soundings, LLC, based in Loudon, Tenn., served as a project coordinator.

"My appointment to this board is a great honor for the Tennessee Theatre and for Knoxville," Hancock said. "The board is composed of industry influencers and successful historic theaters from across the country and will raise the profile of the Tennessee Theatre in the performing arts community. I'm excited to learn from my theater colleagues and share ideas and best practices on the care and preservation of our beautiful venues."

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