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Wheeler names new director

Aspen Times Staff

The head of the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, Penn. has been chosen as the new executive director of Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House.

Gram Slaton is expected to take over direction of the Wheeler in October, the city announced this morning. He succeeds Nida Tautvydas, who stepped down in July.

The city hired an outside consultant to analyze the Wheeler’s operation and help search for Tautvydas’ replacement. Slaton was chosen from a roster of more than 90 applicants.



“This is a dream job in a dream town,” said Slaton in a city press release announcing his appointment. “Aspen is a cultural destination with an almost mystical allure for performing-arts professionals around the country and even around the world.”

Slaton has worked in the performing arts industry for 28 years, starting in Houston. He was programs manager and administrative manager for the Empire State Performing Arts Center in Albany, N.Y. for three years in the early 1990s. Since 1993, he has been the executive director of the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, where he is responsible for all facets of operating the 2,159-seat venue. Williamsport is located in central Pennsylvania.




The city is pleased with Slaton’s experience and expertise, said Assistant City Manager Randy Ready, the city’s administrative liaison to the Wheeler.

See Saturday’s Aspen Times for more on Slaton and his selection.