May 29,2025

Dear GPAC Patrons, Donors and Sponsors,

The GPAC Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Parke Kennedy, the organization’s current Director of Development, has been appointed by the City of Germantown as Executive Director, effective immediately.

I spoke with City Administrator Jason Huisman. Here’s what he had to say about Parke’s appointment, “Parke’s deep understanding of the regional arts landscape, combined with her strategic mindset and strong leadership skills, makes her the ideal choice to lead GPAC forward. Her experience, professionalism, and passion for the arts are invaluable assets to both GPAC and the surrounding community.” 

“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead this vibrant organization and dedicated team,” Kennedy said. “GPAC is a jewel in Germantown, and I am committed to building on its achievements over the past 30 years while developing new strategies to bring excellent arts and arts education programming to the region, engaging even broader audiences.”

Kennedy joined GPAC in 2017 as Director of Development, where she plays a key role in the organization's growth and long-term sustainability. During her first year as Director of Development, she led a $7.5 million capital campaign to bring The Grove—GPAC's state-of-the-art outdoor venue—to life. Later, she secured and managed more than $1.8 million in federal grant funding to support GPAC's programming and operations. Kennedy is instrumental in shaping GPAC's philanthropic success; her fundraising efforts foster community engagement, and her leadership supports the institution's long-term growth and development. Notably, Kennedy secured GPAC's recent naming rights partnership with Highland Capital Management, leveraging her expertise in arts funding and communication to position GPAC as a premier arts presenting and fiscally responsible organization in the Midsouth. 

When Paul Chandler shared the news that he was departing to take on a new and exciting challenge, the Executive Committee quickly came to the consensus that Parke was who we wanted to recommend to the City. I’ve personally seen Parke grow as a leader over the years, and she has consistently impressed the Board with her work ethic, dedication and skill set. After sharing the Executive Committee’s recommendation with the full Board, I received nothing but messages and calls of total support for Parke.

Immediate Past President of the Board, Carol Ross-Spang, said to me, “I could not be more delighted that Parke accepted the offer to be the new Executive Director for GPAC. She was the clear choice of the Board, who have had the pleasure of working with her over the past eight years as she built a powerhouse development function while learning all aspects of the Center’s operation. Parke will lead GPAC with high energy, a commitment to excellence and a passion for the arts.”

Parke’s impact goes beyond the boardroom and offices to the stages and audiences at GPAC. Parke is present at almost every performance of each season and is quick to greet new patrons and embrace old friends. Carlton Anderson, GPAC’s Vice President of the Board of Directors, said it well, “I am delighted to offer my enthusiastic support for Parke as the new Executive Director at GPAC. Parke’s passion for the arts is evident in everything she does, and her eight years under Paul Chandler’s mentorship have only deepened her commitment and expertise. With over a decade of leadership experience in the arts non-profit sector, Parke brings not only strong and sincere leadership but also a genuine care for those she serves.

Her relationships within the local philanthropic community are both strong and varied, and her approachable, warm demeanor makes everyone feel welcome. Sheila and I felt this personally from our very first visit to GPAC—Parke played a big part in making us feel at home.” 

GPAC’s Programming Director, Emily Hefley, had this to say about Parke’s appointment, “I’m excited to be working with Parke in her new role as Executive Director. Programming is at the heart of GPAC’s success, and I've seen firsthand her talent and dedication to our mission. Combined with her love of the arts, I look forward to working with her and to seeing where we take GPAC!”

Before joining GPAC, Kennedy held multiple roles at ARTSmemphis, including Senior Manager of Development and Communications, Donor Relations and Grants Manager, and Project Manager. She is the Immediate Past-President of the Board of Directors of Tennesseans for the Arts (TFTA). This statewide arts advocacy organization promotes the Specialty License Plate program, which funds the Tennessee Arts Commission’s non-profit arts grantmaking across all 95 counties in the state. She served as President of the TFTA Board of Directors for seven years and was Vice President of the West Tennessee Board of Directors for TFTA. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Research at the Southern Center for International Studies in Atlanta.

“As a lover of all forms of art, I believe passionately in its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit, build community and support economic growth,” Kennedy added.

Kennedy holds dual bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Economics from Tufts University in Boston and earned master’s degrees in International Relations and Communications from Boston University. When she’s not hard at work at GPAC, she’s hard at work on her farm with her labrador, Huckleberry, by her side. 

Please join me in welcoming Parke Kennedy to her new role as Executive Director of GPAC. The Board of Directors, staff, and City are thrilled and look forward to a prosperous and lively future.

Sincerely,

About GPAC

Located in the heart of Shelby County, Germantown Performing Arts Center serves the greater Memphis metro area of over a million people and is accessible to all members of the community. GPAC is comprised of an acoustically perfect, 844-seat venue featuring a sprung pine stage, an elegant green room, five large dressing rooms, and a spacious lobby for entertaining and assembling; The Grove, a dynamic outdoor venue which can accommodate approximately 900 guests in a lush outdoor setting; and the Watkins Studio Theater, an intimate black box theater. Ray Charles set the bar high when he opened GPAC in 1994, immediately defining this performing arts center as a place where excellence is the norm and where the world comes to perform. GPAC presents world-renowned performing artists in a variety of genres, year-round educational activities for all ages including the GPAC Youth Symphony Program, rotating visual art exhibits, and many community events. The center benefits from a professional infrastructure that possesses a clear direction, strong financial health, professional staff, and a dedicated board of directors. For more information, visit www.gpacweb.com.