Editor's note An image of Van Leer can be obatined by contacting John Reimringer, University Relations, (785) 864-8856. Visit the Lied Center of Kansas site Search KU News releases Subscribe now to receive KU News by email

Contact: Karen Lane Christilles, Lied Center, (785) 864-2794.

Lied Center names Van Leer as executive director

LAWRENCE -- Tim Van Leer, executive director of the El Camino College Center for the Arts in Torrance, Calif., has been named as the new executive director of the Lied Center of Kansas, announced Toni-Marie Montgomery, dean of the University of Kansas School of Fine Arts. Van Leer will assume his newposition July 1.

As executive director, Van Leer's duties will include administration of the Lied Center of Kansas and direction of the Lied Center Series, including directing the twelve-member full-time staff in programming, development and fund-raising initiatives, marketing and public relations' programs, educational programs, budgets, technical services activities, ticketing services, statewide outreach and long-range planning.

In naming Van Leer to the position, Montgomery said, "Tim Van Leer brings an incredible wealth of experience as an arts manager and presenter. Tim's national stature assures the Lied Center's continued success as a top university presenting organization."

Van Leer said, "I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be the new executive director of the Lied Center. I was fortunate to be on hand for the grand opening of the Lied Center, and I am very grateful to Dean Montgomery, the KU administration and the Board of the Friends of the Lied Center, as well as the outstanding Lied Center staff for giving me the opportunity to lead this outstanding organization. My wife, Jerrye, and I are anxious to make Lawrence our home and become active participants in the many activities that KU and Lawrence have to offer."

During his twenty seven years as an arts presenter, in addition to serving as executive director of the El Camino College Center for the Arts since 1992, Van Leer has been director of the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla.; director of Mershon Auditorium at Ohio State University in Columbus; and assistant director of Gammage Center for the Performing Arts and University Activity Center at Arizona State University in Tempe.

As a performing arts presenter, Van Leer has served in many leadership roles: he was president of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters; California Presenters; Ohio Presenters; and Ohio Dance.

Van Leer will begin as executive director July 1. Until then, the Lied Center will continue under the leadership of Fred Pawlicki, interim director, and Karen Lane Christilles, interim associate director. In June 2000, Jacqueline Z. Davis, former executive director of the Lied Center, became executive director of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.