The Director

 

 

 “People always ask me why I would move from San Francisco to Lebanon,” said Peter J. Palermo, director of the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. “This is my dream job. This is exactly the challenge and the setting I was seeking. My wife (Sarah) and I wanted this lifestyle—small town, small college. McKendree and Lebanon are just what we were looking for.”

 

When the Nebraska native moved to Lebanon, Ill. last January by way of San Francisco, Calif., the exterior of the Hett’s fly loft was in the process of being primed and painted; the interior rooms were framed and a majority of them were wired, plumbed, insulated, and dry-walled; the roof was completely installed, but Palermo’s work was just beginning.

 

Palermo is the former director of operations and project manager for San Francisco’s prestigious Stern Grove Festival Association where he managed all aspects of production for the nation’s oldest admission-free outdoor concert series. He supervised all artist advance work from initial contract signing to lodging, hospitality and transportation logistics. At Stern Grove, Palermo also had his first experience with construction. He was the project manager for the facility’s $15 million renovation.

 

The experience at Stern Grove, served as a foundation for Palermo’s job at McKendree. He worked with McKendree’s operations department to ensure the Hett’s construction was completed as planned. He also oversaw the installation of furnishings and technical equipment. “Starting a project is a lot of fun; it’s like building your dream house,” said Palermo. “I also love being there for the end of a project—making decisions about the thousand-and-one details—it’s just as important, and you can have just as much impact.”

 

In addition to his on-site construction duties, Palermo immediately went to work planning the Spotlight Series. “I feel that the Spotlight Series should cover all of the disciplines of the arts; we should pull the best performers to perform at McKendree,” he said. Palermo enjoyed planning the Hett’s 2006-07 inaugural Spotlight Series by combining instrumental performances, dance and theater. He said, “We are now in a position to present a wide-range of events in this world-class facility.”

 

“Palermo is an experienced arts administrator and performing arts professional with the skills, energy and vision to oversee The Hett—a facility that promises to change the landscape for cultural and entertainment events in Southwestern Illinois,” said McKendree President James M. Dennis.

 

Palermo shares Dennis’ vision. “I want the Hett to become the center of the arts community—not only for McKendree, but for the region,” he said. Palermo is heartened by the community’s support of the facility, the music and theater programs and the Spotlight Series. “The community’s response to the facility and our inaugural season has been remarkable; there is genuine excitement about what is happening at the Hett. It’s such a wonderful time to be here.”