Chautauqua Institution welcomed five new trustees during the August Board of Trustees meeting. Each brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience in areas that are vital to the Institution — including philanthropy, finance, education, marketing and organizational development. Among the new appointees is Ronn Richard, recently retired CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, where he led transformative growth over two decades. Under his leadership, annual philanthropic giving increased tenfold, from $14 million to more than $145 million and endowed funds more than doubled to $3.2 billion. Richard’s strategic relocation of the Foundation’s headquarters to Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood catalyzed economic...
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...
Chautauqua Institution’s YouTube channel is introducing a new membership structure designed to strengthen the sustainability of our digital programming and make it easier for viewers to choose their level of access. You know the value of Chautauqua’s programming — and we heard you, time and time again in recent months, when you said that the ability to experience that programming online is important to you. Now, we’re asking for your help in securing the future of this work and the experience of Chautauqua at your fingertips. The easiest way to do that is to join at the sustaining membership level,...
Chautauqua Institution has named Stephine Hunt Interim Michael I. Rudell Director of Literary Arts, starting on Jan. 1, 2026. This comes following her impactful tenure as manager, and then managing director, of literary arts, where she has played a key role in shaping the Institution’s literary programming alongside the outgoing artistic director, Kwame Alexander. As interim director, Hunt will oversee programming of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, the platform that honors at least nine outstanding books of fiction, nonfiction, essays and poetry with community discussions and author presentations every summer — and which celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2028; the...
Dear Chautauquans, For more than 150 years, Chautauqua has been a place where people gather to learn, reflect, grow and connect. We have weathered periods of social change, economic challenges and cultural transformation because we have always adapted — thoughtfully and deliberately — to meet the needs of the moment while safeguarding our mission for the future. That same spirit of resilience guides us now. As we look ahead to the 2026 Summer Assembly and beyond, we are making strategic programming decisions designed to strengthen Chautauqua’s financial foundation, protect the experiences that matter most, and position the Institution for another...
Pathway to Financial Resilience Update from Kyle Keogh Dear Chautauquans, With sincere gratitude and appreciation for your valued contributions to the community, I write to share an important update as we navigate a challenging chapter in Chautauqua’s journey. As we shared in our summer meetings, Chautauqua is undergoing a much-needed evaluation of how best to ensure our long-term financial resilience. As a part of this process, we have determined we must take decisive action to achieve a net budget reduction of $4-6 million. To achieve this objective, we have made the difficult decision to reduce staffing levels and operational budgets...
Did You Notice? George T. Snyder, Trustee for Life Good evening. Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday when we opened the season with a riveting discussion between James Carville and Kristen Soltis. Wasn’t it just a few hours ago that we popped our paper bags to simulate cannon fire during the CSO’s performance of the 1812 overture? It seems like minutes — not weeks — since we cheered each other on at the Old First Night Run. The summer here defies space and time. I can’t believe we are closing the 152nd Summer Assembly. But here...
Chautauqua Institution announces a special post-season concert experience on Friday, September 5, featuring legendary artist Bonnie Raitt with special guest Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-A-Whirl Band. This event marks a new chapter in Chautauqua’s entertainment programming and will serve as the launch of a pilot initiative aimed at enhancing the concert experience for all. As part of this pilot, concessions including food, beer, wine, and other beverages will be available at the Amphitheater. Beverages (served in covered cups) will be permitted inside the Amphitheater and within the security perimeter. Food will only be permitted within the security perimeter, but not inside the Amphitheater gates. This initiative is designed...
Chautauqua Institution today announced the selection of Heidrick & Struggles, a premier global leadership advisory firm, to assist in the search for its next president. This selection follows the search committee’s rigorous consideration of multiple national firms that responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP). The decision marks a significant step forward in the Institution’s leadership transition process, following President Michael E. Hill’s departure in May. Former board member Kyle Keogh is serving as Interim Chief Executive during this search and selection process. Heidrick & Struggles brings decades of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, with a strong track...
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the patron experience and support the long-term financial sustainability of popular entertainment events in the Amphitheater, we are piloting a new approach to services and amenities within the Amphitheater during post-season events in September. The Chautauqua Amphitheater experience — especially for popular entertainment — remains unique in the industry. To remain competitive and responsive to evolving guest expectations, we will begin offering concessions during two evening events in September, with operations led by the Chautauqua Hotel Company (Athenaeum Hotel) and sales occurring in Odland Plaza (a perimeter will be set up requiring...
