Anderson Steps Down as Executive Director of Pablo Center
development officer will serve as interim leader
V1 Staff |
The executive director of the Pablo Center at the Confluence “stepped down from the role” effective Tuesday, Oct. 1, the arts center announced Friday.
Jason Jon Anderson, who has overseen the Pablo Center since it opened in 2018, will be replaced on an interim basis by Monica Frederick, the institution’s chief development officer.
Anderson will now “focus his advocacy talents on the state and national level” through his involvement with the Wisconsin Independent Venue Association (WIVA) and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Anderson was one of the founders of the NIVA, which was created in the midst of the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020.
“We recognize Jason’s hard work, dedication, and vision in leading Pablo Center to become a vital part of our community’s cultural landscape,” the Pablo Center said in a media release. “His contributions have played an instrumental role in shaping who we are today, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership over the years.”
No reason for Anderson’s departure was given in the announcement.
Anderson, who spent a decade in event production-related positions at UW-Eau Claire and also served as production manager for Bon Iver and production director for the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival, became part of what would become the Pablo Center in March 2015 when he joined the Confluence Council Inc. board of directors. He became interim executive director of the Confluence Project in October 2017, and was named executive director of the Pablo Center the following year.
Here’s the full media release:
Pablo Center at the Confluence Announces Leadership Transition and New Era of Growth
Pablo Center at the Confluence announces that Executive Director Jason Jon Anderson has stepped down from his role, effective October 1, 2024. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jason for his remarkable leadership and contributions during his tenure and are excited to wish Jason well as he departs Pablo Center to formally focus his advocacy talents on the state and national level with WIVA - Wisconsin Independent Venue Association and with NIVA - National Independent Venue Association.
Jason’s journey with the Pablo Center began in March 2015 when he joined the Confluence Council, Inc. board of directors as an At-Large member while serving as Assistant Director of Conferences & Event Production at UW-Eau Claire. In October 2017, Jason was appointed Interim Executive Director of the Confluence Project to oversee the final stages of construction. Following a national search, he was named the first Executive Director of the Pablo Center, guiding it through its grand opening in Fall 2018.
Since then, Jason has played an instrumental role in shaping Pablo Center’s identity, growing the staff, expanding our show offerings, and enriching the Artist and Guest experiences we are known for throughout the region. His leadership was especially notable during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Jason’s state and national advocacy was integral to the creation of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). NIVA led the efforts behind the $16.8 billion Shuttered Venue Operator Grant (SVOG), which brought over $240 million to Wisconsin venues and cultural institutions.
We recognize Jason’s hard work, dedication, and vision in leading Pablo Center to become a vital part of our community’s cultural landscape. His contributions have played an instrumental role in shaping who we are today, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership over the years. Jason's vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on our organization, and we are excited to see him continue his advocacy work at the state and national level through the Wisconsin Independent Venue Association (WIVA) and NIVA.
As we look to the future, we are excited to announce that Monica Frederick, our Chief Development Officer, will assume the role of Interim Executive Director while a national search is conducted to fill the position. Monica has been instrumental in Pablo Center’s growth, working closely with the leadership team to shape our continued success. Her unwavering passion for Pablo Center, dedication to our mission, and strong leadership will guide us through this new chapter.
With Monica at the helm, Pablo Center is well-positioned for continued growth and success. The Board of Directors and leadership team remain fully committed to advancing our mission of providing exceptional cultural experiences to the community. Monica’s leadership signals the start of an exciting new era, one that paves the way for a positive and vibrant future.
We are confident that Monica’s expertise and deep connection to Pablo Center will enable us to continue thriving and elevating the arts across the Chippewa Valley. Under her leadership, Pablo Center will remain a dynamic cultural force in the region.
As we embrace this next chapter, we are more dedicated than ever to our community. With Monica’s guidance, we look forward to seeing Pablo Center continue to grow, inspire, and enrich the lives of everyone we serve.
About Pablo Center at the Confluence: The Pablo Center at the Confluence is a premier cultural venue located in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Since its grand opening in Fall 2018, Pablo Center has been dedicated to fostering the arts, providing an inspiring space for artists and the community to come together. From Broadway performances to local theater, visual arts, and educational programming, Pablo Center continues to be a beacon of creativity and cultural connection in the Chippewa Valley.
