REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - The Clear Space Theatre Company says that they have installed four new board members to its Board of Directors. It says the new members will bring experience, insight, and new skills to the company.
“We are lucky to welcome a diverse set of experience to our board for 2023,” shares Board Chair Laura Mason. “As Clear Space grows and reaches new communities, we value the guidance our board members can offer the company.”
One of the new members is John Cullen, who is the Senior End Point IT Administrator for Epson America and is responsible for managing all workstations in North America, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. Cullen has a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in information systems management from the University of South Florida. He has over 25 years of IT experience working for finance, IT, and food and retail companies. Cullen and his family have lived in Sussex County for over 12 years. He has two teenage daughters, one who is active with Clear Space Theatre.
Paul Parsons, who is now a full-time resident of Rehoboth Beach, recently retired as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the National Association of College and University Attorneys in Washington, DC after 24 years of service. His areas of focus included strategic planning, board governance, finance, and business operations. Parsons has been a theatergoer at Clear Space Theatre Company for many years.
Joe Sterner has called Southern Delaware his home in some fashion since 2003. He and his husband, David, moved permanently to Rehoboth Beach in 2013 when they purchased the Homestead Bed and Breakfast, which they currently own and operate. Prior to that move, the pair sold their internet marketing company that they owned for over 12 years. Additionally, Sterner is a full-time real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. Before joining Clear Space, Sterner was most recently the vice president and secretary for another local non-profit.
Alfred Willis is a decorated war veteran and has master's degrees from Seton Hall University and St. Mary's University. He has extensive international experience in design and build projects for defense contractors and post-retirement as a real estate agent in the Rehoboth and Lewes markets. He has been a patron of the performing arts for well over 25 years and is happy to bring his love of theater to Clear Space.
The company says they are also saying goodbye to Executive Director Wesley Paulson, who has been in this position since 2013.
“I am proud of my ten years of service as Executive Director and grateful for the leadership and support I have received from the staff and board," said Paulson. "Together we survived the pandemic and provided a stable financial position for the company. That is a highlight for me among many great memories over the years.”
Clear Space says they benefited from Paulson's experience, dedication, and overall hard work to bring the company up to where it is now.
In a statement, Paulson said, "I am grateful to the community for supporting Clear Space during my tenure. I have made many new friends and colleagues in the arts and business community. I look forward to new opportunities to support live theatre at the beach."
However, some locals said they are worried about the changes. Dotty Outland said she fears that changes to the board will bring changes to the theatre.
"It does bring concern. There have been a lot of changes going on over there and we want to keep the theatre around here," Outland said.
According to the company, the board chair and vice chair will be working with the staff to continue operations as a search for an interim managing director takes place.