Dear Chautauquans, 

The Chautauqua Institution Board of Trustees convened for its fall meetings on Nov. 7–8, 2025, at Chautauqua. Over the course of two days, the board engaged in both a strategic “Deep Dive” session and a formal business meeting to review institutional progress, financial performance and long-range priorities that will shape our future. 

Building a Foundation for Relevance and Resilience 

The meetings opened with reflections on a successful 2025 summer season that demonstrated clear progress in strengthening patron satisfaction, community relationships and operational stability. Across Chautauqua’s programs, overall patron sentiment has improved, and our partners and supporters have expressed renewed confidence in the Institution’s direction. 

We also celebrated the extraordinary work of staff across every department whose commitment has allowed Chautauqua to identify $5.7 million in financial improvements, stabilizing the organization and positioning us to invest in the future. 

The board and leadership team also took time to recognize that this progress has not come without sacrifice. The recent staffing reductions were among the most difficult decisions in recent Institution history, and trustees expressed deep appreciation for the professionalism and resilience shown by employees during this transition. The board extended a heartfelt thanks to the staff who continue to advance Chautauqua’s mission with dedication. 

While much progress has been made, both the board and executive leadership emphasized that Chautauqua is entering its next phase of transformation — ensuring our financial sustainability to grow our relevance. Our focus now turns toward ensuring that Chautauqua remains vital to current and future generations by enhancing the core summer experience. 

Financial Stability and 2026 Budget Approval 

The board unanimously approved the 2026 operating budget, which continues to advance the multi-year plan for fiscal sustainability. These budgets reflect the Institution’s commitment to living within its means while investing in quality programs, technology modernization, and patron experience improvements. 

Key highlights include: 

• Continued implementation of the $5.7 million structural improvement plan, balancing expense reduction with targeted revenue growth. 
• Funding for the next phase of Project 360, our enterprise technology transformation integrating CRM, data, and digital engagement platforms. 
• A focus on patron-facing improvements, including Amphitheater experience and concessions, food and beverage operations, and a new website. 
• Celebration of the Chautauqua Hotel Company’s financial and operational success, as the Athenaeum Hotel and Heirloom Restaurant, Brick Walk Cafe, Afterwords Wine Bar, 3 Taps and the A Truck, Greene Family Commons food operations, and Double Eagle collectively outperformed their budget, turning a projected loss into more than $90,000 in positive net results. 
• Completion of a sublease of the Washington, D.C. office contributing to ongoing operational efficiency. 

Budget and Finance Chair Terry Horner and CFO Angie Schuettler presented an updated 2025 forecast and 2026 budget, emphasizing disciplined financial stewardship and transparency in reporting progress toward key goals. 

Governance and Strategic Alignment 

The board welcomed new trustees and streamlined its meeting process to prioritize discussion and decision-making over reporting. Committee updates highlighted continuing work in marketing and brand strategy, patron experience, philanthropy, and campus planning. 

Through the Deep Dive, trustees and executive team explored the theme of “Relevance and Resilience,” assessing how Chautauqua can continue to inspire inquiry, community and renewal in an evolving cultural landscape. This included discussion of long-term program strategy, demographic shifts, and pathways to attract diverse and next-generation Chautauquans. 

Looking Ahead 

With more stable footing under a restructured leadership team and clear financial discipline, Chautauqua now enters a period of renewal. As Interim Chief Executive Kyle Keogh shared during the meeting, “We have cut our way to sustainability — now we must focus on growing our way to relevance.” 

That growth will be guided by: 

• Renewed mission clarity around Chautauqua’s four pillars — Arts, Education, Religion and Recreation — with a clear focus on the summer season.  
• A data-informed approach to audience engagement, pricing and retention. 
• A focus on building belonging and inclusion, ensuring that all who seek reflection and renewal can find a place here. 
• Inviting every Chautauquan to invest in this next chapter through philanthropy, helping sustain and grow Chautauqua’s mission for generations to come.  

The board expressed deep gratitude to the staff, community members and donors who make Chautauqua’s mission possible.  

We will continue to share progress through upcoming staff briefings and a community webinar, where we will review the 2026 budget and discuss next steps in this journey toward long-term sustainability and impact. 

With gratitude, 
Laurie Branch 
Chair, Board of Trustees 

Kyle Keogh 
Interim Chief Executive