Carson City's primary arts service organization has a new executive director. John M. Shelton was hired this week by the board of directors as the Brewery Art Center's leader and executive director.
Shelton is a veteran nonprofit administrator and a 23-year resident of Reno. He has worked for cultural nonprofits, in government and for the commercial business sector for 29 years, according to a press announcement. He replaces John Procaccini who resigned as Executive Director effective Sept. 24. Procaccini, who held the position for 5.5 years, will remain associated with the arts center as a consultant.
Most recently Shelton has been the founding partner at Impresario Management, a private consulting firm to nonprofit organizations based in Reno, according to the press announcement. Prior to being a consultant, Shelton was Executive Director of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno. He has also worked as a program director for two state arts agencies, first with the Idaho Commission on the Arts and later with the Nevada Arts Council.
During his nine years at Pioneer Center, Shelton substantially increased use and programming of the facility, tripled the Center’s operational budget, established the state’s largest arts subscription-based audience, created the successful Broadway Comes to Reno series, and raised more than half a million in support of Pioneer Center improvements, according to the press announcement.
He received a Governor’s Tourism Award in 1994. Shelton is the immediate past Chair of the Reno Arts & Culture Commission and a past Vice President of the Western Arts Alliance. He has a degree in Business from Western Illinois University.
“I am extremely pleased to be offered this position and look forward to what I feel is a tremendous opportunity for both the community and me," Shelton said. "The Brewery Arts Center is a long standing and respected institution, established as one of Nevada’s very first local arts councils. Just as it has a solid history, the Center also has a very bright future ahead for itself as Carson City's redevelopment continues to move forward. I look forward to upholding the Center's reputation for quality arts-based programming, while expanding those services and providing options to the growing needs of a larger and more diverse community.”
“We are thrilled and gratified that the board affirmed our number one choice for this critical position," said BAC Chairman Bruce Robertson. "John Shelton's tenure with the arts in Nevada, and his experience with cultural nonprofits, provides us with a unique perspective for reshaping the future of the Brewery Arts Center, getting back to the roots of its mission and positioning the Center to better serve Carson City's cultural needs. Shelton is the perfect executive to lead the Center during recessionary times and the right person to collaborate with local artists, business and public agencies in pursuing a vibrant local arts environment."
Shelton was selected by BAC's Executive Search Committee through an extensive regional search, and finalized via vote of the full board earlier this week. Shelton will officially begin his duties Oct. 4, while finishing up client commitments with Impresario Management.
Established in 1975, the Brewery Arts Center is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit cultural institution based in Carson City, Nevada. The Brewery Arts Center is committed to presenting and promoting art, arts programming and cultural events for all ages through its facilities and resources to the community of Carson City and the surrounding area. For more information call (775) 883-1976, or visit the BAC website at www.breweryarts.org.