By Don Nelson
Missi Smith has played a variety of roles at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp over the past 10 years — choreographer, actor, director, board member — and this week will take on a new one: She is the community theater’s new executive director.
Smith’s selection was announced last week. She replaces Jane Hubrig, who has been managing director for six years.
Smith was most recently a book publicist for 45th Parallel Communications in Winthrop, The Merc said in a press release. Previously, she was an English teacher at Liberty Bell High School.
Smith was the board president during the successful 2012 capital campaign to purchase and renovate The Merc’s building.
She also served as president of the Methow Valley Theater and currently volunteers with First Descents, a nonprofit organization which helps young-adult cancer survivors.
“Missi stood out from several strong applicants because she has a demonstrated passion for our organization’s mission, has led nonprofit organizations, and has worked extensively with young people, who we feel are so important to our future,” Sue Gottula, chair of The Merc’s board, said in a press release.
Smith will be responsible for the organization’s strategic planning, fiscal management, fundraising, marketing and facility operations. Smith will report to the board and will work closely with Ki Gottberg, The Merc’s artistic director.
Smith said she applied for the job because it seemed like a natural extension of her long involvement with The Merc.
“I’ve been so invested in it for so long,” she said in an interview this week. “I love The Merc so much that I felt like I wanted to do this job.”
Smith noted that her familiarity with the organization will smooth the transition to new leadership. She also said it will be valuable to have someone who is already well-connected in the community to “understand the Methow part of the equation.’
Smith said one goal she has in mind for The Merc is to get more local students involved, from youngsters through high school — and young adults as well.
“This could be a great way to get kids interested in theater,” she said.
Smith said she is “super excited” to be working with Gottberg, who has ambitious visions for how The Merc can expand its reach.
“We have complementary skill sets,” Smith said. “My job is to help make her [Gottberg’s] vision come to fruition.”
Smith said she doesn’t see any immediate needs to raise more capital for major projects, but added that The Merc will continue to improve its facilities.
“The organization is in a strong place,” she said.
