The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre (Civic) has selected Laura Zervic as Executive Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She began her tenure on July 1, 2021.
Ms. Zervic has practiced marketing and advertising law for more than 20 years for such companies as Chobani, Kellogg Company, two prestigious law firms in Chicago, and BISSELL Homecare, Inc.. In addition to her work as an attorney, she has remained highly engaged with and dedicated to her community and to the arts, serving as a Trustee and Treasurer of the Gull Lake Community Schools Board of Education and President of the Gull Lake Community Schools Fine Arts Foundation, among other public service distinctions. Over the course of her career, she has appeared in dozens of productions, including West Side Story, Company, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Grapes of Wrath, Noises Off, and Lend Me a Tenor. She first appeared onstage at the Civic in 2009 as May in its production of The Affections of May. She also has experience on the production side as a director, stage manager, and producer. Most recently, her production efforts have focused on bringing more art and performance opportunities to the students in the Gull Lake Community Schools, including directing talent shows and starting a musical theatre program at the middle school. Ms. Zervic was also instrumental in bringing performances to the Richland Area Community Center - Art Hop in 2019, directing, producing, and performing in an evening of one acts.
Ms. Zervic joined the board of directors of the Civic in June 2020, at a time when the board was navigating the impact of the pandemic, responding to the justified demand for action around Black Lives Matter and other social justice issues, and managing an internal leadership void. She has received numerous accolades for her work in the community. Ms. Zervic earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Cincinnati University and a Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
In making the announcement, incoming Board Chair and Search Committee Chair Sid Ellis said, “Our selection of Laura Zervic is the outcome of an extensive and deliberate national search process. The search, undertaken with ACG, attracted a diverse group of over 90 candidates from across the country. When Laura’s candidacy was advanced, the search committee concluded that she is the right leader to guide the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre into its next century as the premier community theatre in the country, truly embodying the vision of “Theatre for All.’”
“I am thrilled and honored to be entrusted to lead the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre into its centennial,” said Ms. Zervic. “The Civic is a pillar of our community and means so much to its staff, patrons, volunteers, sponsors, and benefactors. The role of the Civic and the arts in general takes on greater meaning as we look to restore and enrich our lives. I am excited to be part of this reawakening of the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre.”
“Best wishes to Laura Zervic as she begins her tenure as Executive Director at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre,” said ACG Vice President Jenna Deja. “ACG was honored to collaborate with the board and staff on this search. Her passion for theatre and exceptional business acumen will help provide strategic leadership during this pivotal time within the organization.”
July 2021