McCallum Theatre’s CEO Retires After 12 Years

Ted Giatas, CEO and President of McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, will retire at the end of this season, it was announced Monday.

In a letter to the media, Bill Powers, the Chairman of the McCallum Board of Trustees, praised Giatas’ ability to turn the theatr around — inheriting a facility $7.5 million in debt and transforming it into one of one of the top-revenue producing theatres in the world.

?Ted has done an exceptional job throughout the years both in terms of managing the theatre and developing a solid donor base of support, as well insuring financial stability into the future,” Powers said. “The McCallum Board of Trustees is most grateful for Ted?s many accomplishments and tireless service.?

?There is a time to take stock in one?s professional and personal endeavors and look ahead, and I believe this is the time for me to set a new course in my life,” Giatas said. “After twelve years, I also believe that it is time for fresh leadership at the helm of the McCallum.”

Mitch Gershenfeld, McCallum’s Director of Presentations and Theater Operations for eleven years, will succeed Giatas as President and CEO.

“Without question, (Gershenfeld) is the clear choice to succeed me in leading the theatre in these challenging times and I wish Mitch much success in his new role,? Giatas said.

Prior to joining the McCallum, Gershenfeld served as president and CEO of the East County Performing Arts Center in El Cajon, Executive Director of the Paramount Theater in Denver and Music Producer for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

He also served on the faculties of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Denver and Goucher College. Mitch has a Bachelor of Music degree from Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and a Master of Music degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison.