Weber Center Names Dillon McArdle Executive Director

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The board of directors for the Weber Center for the Performing Arts has appointed Dillon McArdle as the new Executive Director. McArdle will begin his duties at the Weber Center Nov. 6.

McArdle has been serving as the Technical Director of the La Crosse Community Theatre (LCT) for over ten years and assisted with LCT’s transition to the Weber Center in 2013. He is a 2006 graduate of Viterbo University with a B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technical Production. In addition to his duties at LCT, he serves on the steering committee for the School of Technology and Arts (SOTA) II. McArdle resides in La Crosse with his wife, Megan, and son, Miles.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of the Weber Center and to represent the center in the community,” said McArdle. “I’ve been involved with the Weber Center since it opened in 2013 and look forward to helping it grow and continue to be a vital community asset.”

“Dillon’s history with the La Crosse Community Theatre and the Weber Center made him a very strong candidate for this position,” said Michael Ranscht, chair of the search committee and Vice President of the Weber Center Board of Directors. “As the center approaches its five-year anniversary, we feel Dillon has the skills necessary to lead and grow the Weber Center as it continues to be part of a vibrant and growing downtown arts district.”

The Weber Center is a collaborative arts venue supporting the missions of the La Crosse Community Theatre and Viterbo University, its two member organizations. “As both a Viterbo graduate and a former LCT employee, Dillon brings a familiarity with the missions of both organizations, which is very important in this position,” said Ranscht.

Although McArdle will be leaving LCT, the board and staff are pleased that he will not be far away. “Dillon has been a tremendous asset to LCT, and although we are sad to lose him, this is a wonderful opportunity for him and for the Weber Center,” said Sara Battison, president of the LCT Board of Directors. “We wish him all the best in this new endeavor and are happy that he will be nearby.”

McArdle’s position fulfills a vacancy left by David Kilpatrick, who took a position in May as the Executive Director of the Des Moines Community Playhouse. Jen Roberdeau, Director of Audience Services and Marketing at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center, has been serving as the part-time Interim Executive Director since May and will continue to serve in that capacity until Nov. 6.

For more information about the Weber Center for the Performing Arts, call (608) 784-9292.