SPAC Board Resigns

The board of directors for New York’s Saratoga Performing Arts Center resigned en masse May 3rd and appointed a transitional board to try and regain the public’s trust following a scathing state audit and lagging fund-raising efforts.

“Money drives the agenda for any not-for-profit organization,” new board member E. Stewart Jones Jr. told The Saratogian. “But perception is important, too. The people, the public, have to know that SPAC is in good hands, that the past is past.”

Marcia White was hired as executive director March 4th to replace former exec Herb Chesbrough, who was asked to step down amid controversy.

Chesbrough, who worked at the PAC for 35 years, got into hot water with patrons following a cost-cutting measure that meant severing ties with the New York City Ballet after a 40-year relationship. The decision was later reversed.

However, the public outcry triggered a state audit of the PAC that alleged the SPAC was mismanaged, Chesbrough overpaid and the board less than effective in its oversight duties.

SPAC’s annual meeting, where the general membership is expected to vote on the transitional team, is reportedly scheduled for May 25th, the Saratogian said.