JACKSON, MI – A lawsuit involving the leadership and governance of the Michigan Theatre of Jackson has been settled, bringing major changes to the historic downtown organization.
Attorneys with Curtis, Curtis, & Brelinski, P.C. representing 56 members involved in the lawsuit announced Wednesday that the agreement includes the resignations of Nancy Whitmore and Kathryn Snyder from Theatre leadership positions.
The board has also expanded to 15 directors during the transition period, adding several new community and business leaders to help guide the organization forward.
New board members include: Rebecca Armstrong, John Butterfield, Richard Collins, Philip J. Curtis, Ronald Ellison, Martha Fuerstenau, John Macchia Jr., and Hattie Oliver.
Attorney Philip Curtis told WKHM that this board allows for a wide range of input and direction from the community.
Under the settlement, the interim board must call a special membership meeting within 90 days. Theatre members will then elect 11 directors to full three-year terms.
Curtis said that Theatre members could have more of a say regarding the Theatre’s Board of Directors now than they did in years past.
The interim board says its immediate focus will be rebuilding community trust, restoring donor confidence, and strengthening staffing and programming at the Michigan Theatre.
