CLEVELAND, Ohio — Former Playhouse Square president and CEO Art Falco will retire from his current role as senior advisor at the end of the year, the not-for-profit performing arts center announced on Wednesday. He’ll be joined by Chief Operating Officer Patricia Gaul, who will be calling it a career after 40 years at Playhouse Square on Dec. 31.
“We knew this time would come and have been planning for it beginning well before Art announced his retirement as President & CEO in 2019,” said Playhouse Square Board Chair Brent Ballard in a statement. “With the pandemic significantly altering the timelines for Patty and Art, the Board and I are deeply grateful for their continued service and wise stewardship through the closure and reopening of theaters, and then working with Craig (Hassall) as he stepped into the role of President & CEO, which he has done so successfully.”
During his tenure, Falco, who joined the Playhouse Square as finance director in 1985, led the organization through transformative projects, including the expansion from five performance spaces to 10, the formation of downtown Cleveland’s first Business Improvement District and the establishment of the organization’s real estate division and education department.
Playhouse Square’s Vice President of Facilities & Capital Tom Einhouse, who oversaw many of Playhouse Square’s construction projects and theater restorations during his 44 years there, is also stepping down at the end of the year. The organization characterized the retirements as “a significant transition for the organization.”
“Art, Patty and Tom have been incredible to work with; their dedication to the success of Playhouse Square and the City of Cleveland is truly inspiring,” added Hassall. “There are no words adequate to express the full extent of our gratitude, but on behalf of everyone at Playhouse Square, I say a heartfelt thank you and wish them the best.”
Laura Smith will succeed Gaul as COO, while Nathan Kelly is coming on board as President of Real Estate Services. Smith previously worked at the Foundation For The Carolinas, where her purview included the restoration of Charlotte’s historic Carolina Theatre. Kelly comes to Playhouse Square from Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO Real Estate in Independence, where he was president and managing director.
“Laura and Nate bring immense knowledge and experience to Playhouse Square,” Hassall continued. “Laura is skilled in organizational strategy, operational oversight and project management; Nate is well-versed in real estate management and redevelopment. I am thrilled to welcome them to the Playhouse Square leadership team and look forward to the work we will do together with our outstanding staff.”
In an exclusive interview with cleveland.com last week, Hassall, who took the helm in early 2023 after leading London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, outlined his plan to turn Playhouse Square into an entertainment destination with national appeal.
“Craig has developed an exciting vision and is building upon Playhouse Square’s strong relationships in the community and industry to continue forward momentum,” Ballard, the board chair, said. “Laura and Nate are exceptional leaders well-suited to guide the organization, with Craig, into its next era.”
