Bill Patti named executive director of Kenan Center

Press Release

Bringing his knowledge and experience in the theater, along with strong leadership and management skills, Bill Patti was selected as the next executive director of the Kenan Center. Patti officially began his duties on March 13, taking the time to learn about the operations of the nonprofit, meeting with staff and transitioning with Susan Przybyl, the former executive director who retired on March 31 after almost 25 years.

“I am overjoyed at the opportunity to continue the impactful legacy at the Kenan Center,” Patti said. “I look forward to leading this team of brilliant community builders to a bright future where Lockport residents and people across Western New York are welcomed to the Kenan campus to fulfill our mission. Susan's tenure has set us up for great success, and I am honored and humbled to be able to bridge Kenan's future."

Patti was selected by the Kenan board of governors after an extensive search process that began in late 2022.

“The Kenan Center is truly fortunate to have found a leader like Bill Patti to serve as our new executive director,” said R. Scott DeLuca, board president. “Bill’s previous work experiences directly lend themselves to serving the Kenan Center’s vision of serving as the heart of the community, and of attracting passionate people who utilize our campus to learn, engage with others, expand their creativity, and to better understand the world around them.”

DeLuca said that during the interview process, Patti expressed his hope for the future and for serving the Kenan Center “by expressing his belief in ’25 acres and 10,000 tomorrows.’ ”

“Bill is strongly committed to serving the Lockport community by improving and expanding the already substantial arts, culture, sports and recreation programming the Kenan Center offers,” he said. “With Bill at the helm of this organization, we can all rest assured that the Kenan Center will have a very bright future and many fantastic tomorrows.”

Before coming to the Kenan Center, Patti was general manager at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo; producing artistic director at Highlands Playhouse in Highlands, North Carolina; director of theater at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia; and director of performing arts at Rabun Gap School in Nacoochee, Georgia. Patti has a master’s in fine arts from Kent State University and a bachelor’s in English and theater studies from Niagara University.

For more information about the Kenan Center, visit www.kenancenter.org or follow @KenanLockport on social media for updates and events.

Bill Patti (Submitted photo)