A Center for the Arts Announces Its New Executive Director

New AC4TA Executive Director Michael Ranscht. (AC4TA)

Fergus Falls, MN – The board of A Center for the Arts (AC4TA) in Fergus Falls is introducing its new executive director as he begins work today, May 12th.

Michael Ranscht brings with him decades of arts and community theater experience, having served most recently at Viterbo University in LaCrosse, WI as its director of university relations and director of the fine arts center.

“We’re thrilled to have someone with Michael’s experience, depth of knowledge and the skill set needed to be our next leader,” said Alison Olson, chair of the board. “Operations, programming, fundraising and mentoring are among the many things that appealed to the search committee.”

“I’m excited to get to work in Fergus Falls. I’ve been familiar with your theater for some time and am glad to have had the opportunity in March to visit and meet staff, the board and some of the community members,” said Ranscht. “I look forward to getting to know others throughout the community and at the summer Veden Trust Concerts at the Kirkbride.”

The search committee has been working for two years and was composed of board members and community leaders. Olson noted a robust pool of applicants but Ranscht stood out throughout the three months of interviews and a community visit.

Ranscht succeeds Michael Burgraff, who is retiring June 1st. “The two Michael’s will overlap for a few weeks, allowing Burgraff to introduce Ranscht to the community and bring him up to speed on grants, programs and other details,” said Olson. Burgraff will spend his first month of retirement directing one of the casts of the summer children’s musical, “Finding Nemo Jr.”

Ranscht earned his Masters in Arts Administration from Goucher College (Baltimore, MD) and his BA in English/Theatre from Viterbo University. He and his wife, Loretta are house-hunting in Fergus Falls and she will join him here soon.

Story courtesy of A Center for the Arts.