Suzan Bradford Appointed Executive Director Of The Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln Theatre Association and CAPA today announced the appointment of Suzan Bradford as executive director of the Lincoln Theatre. Bradford has been serving as general manager of the Lincoln since its grand reopening in 2009 after a $13.5 million renovation.

The elevation in title is largely due to the many new programming initiatives already in place that have been created and/or spearheaded by Bradford such as the Backstage at the Lincoln local artist showcase series, the Lincoln Theatre "Expand Your Horizon" Incubation Program for emerging local artists, and the Lincoln Theatre Patternz Summer Camp program among others.

Bradford will continue to manage the administrative and operations functions of the Lincoln Theatre, working closely with the Lincoln Theatre Association Board of Trustees and CAPA CEO and President Chad Whittington to advance the Lincoln's mission and vision in the central Ohio community and beyond.

"In the ten years Suzan has been serving the Lincoln Theatre, she has built vibrant and culturally significant programming that expands our arts community," stated Chad Whittington, CAPA president and CEO. "Her role at the Lincoln has grown significantly over time, and this promotion recognizes her expanded responsibilities and unwavering dedication to the Lincoln Theatre and the King-Lincoln neighborhood."

"Suzan has integrated herself into the community with passion, purpose, and a strong desire to create a positive impact, especially on the next generation of artists," stated Marlon Moore, board president of the Lincoln Theatre Association. "This is a well-deserved promotion for someone who has truly become the face of the Lincoln Theatre and I look forward to our continued work together."

Prior to the Lincoln Theatre, Bradford served as a prevention specialist for Project Linden, and adjunct faculty for the Ohio State University Department of Dance, lecturing and teaching techniques of West African dance. She is one of the founders of the Thiossane West African Dance Institute, a Columbus dance company established to preserve and present traditional West African dance, music, and culture.

First opened in 1928, the Lincoln Theatre is a landmark in African-American and jazz history. After undergoing a $13.5 million renovation funded by a partnership of public and private support, the Lincoln reopened in May 2009 as a multi-use, state-of-the-art performing arts and education center serving the diversity of the central Ohio community. The Lincoln is a bustling hub of activity 365 days a year hosting performances, rehearsals, and classes in the performing arts, as well as a wide variety of community events such as film festivals, meetings, and receptions.