Dave Wedekindt selected as new president of Artpark & Company

Artpark & Company Press Release

The Artpark & Company board of directors is excited to announce the appointment of Dave Wedekindt as the new president for Artpark. He begins this role immediately.

"After an extensive and thorough search process, we are thrilled to announce that Dave Wedekindt has been appointed as the new president of Artpark," Artpark Board Chair Joanne Bauer said. 

Peter Petrella of TalentRise said, "Our executive search firm collaborated closely with Artpark’s search committee, which included esteemed Artpark board members, local politicians, and community leaders from both the arts and business sectors.”

Jonathan Dandes and Daniel Montante, co-chairs of the executive search committee, and Artpark board members, said, "The search committee worked tirelessly and with great diligence to identify exceptional candidates who could lead Artpark into its next chapter. While we presented multiple highly qualified candidates, the board ultimately chose Dave, recognizing his proven leadership, deep community connections, and strong alignment with Artpark’s mission. The search process was invaluable in shaping the future of this extraordinary institution."

Wedekindt stated, "It has been my pleasure to lead this organization through its 50th anniversary season, and I am honored to be selected to continue in this role. Artpark means so much to not only me, but several generations of people in our community and beyond, and it is exciting to build an even brighter future together with our board, New York State Parks, staff, and many other stakeholders."

Wedekindt joined Artpark in 2018 as director of marketing and sales, bringing extensive experience in performing arts marketing, sales, communications, programming, sponsorship and development to the organization. He was promoted to vice president of concerts and marketing in 2021, then to vice president in 2022, and recently as interim president in April 2024.

Previously, Wedekindt served as director of marketing for the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts in Amherst for 15 years, preceded by five years as associate director of marketing for the CFA. He started his career as associate director of development for Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo.

A strong advocate for the arts, Wedekindt also serves on the board of directors of MusicalFare Theatre and is past president of the board of directors for Arts Services Inc. He holds an MBA from the University at Buffalo and BS in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia.

A lifelong Western New Yorker, Dave resides in Amherst with his wife, Susan (link to bio).