Lost Colony producers name new CEO

The Board of Directors of the Roanoke Island Historical Association announced Tuesday that Bill Coleman has been named the new chief executive officer of the organization effective Sept. 17.

Coleman has served as a senior management leader with non-profit arts organizations in Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio.

Coleman brings a solid background to lead the organiation that produces The Lost Colony outdoor musical drama. He previously worked as the executive producer of The Stephen Foster Story and was director of audience development at the Tennessee Repertory Theatre in Nashville.

His theatrical background also includes executive director of City Ballet in Knoxville, Tenn. and serving on the Board of Directors for the Nashville Shakespeare Festival.

No stranger to outdoor drama and nonprofit arts organizations, Coleman has been a consultant to numerous theatrical facilities, including the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, Ky., the Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center near Mansfield, Ohio and the Ruben Dario National Theatre in Managua, Nicaragua.

Prior to moving to Manteo, he has served as CEO of Dismas, Inc., a national social service agency headquartered in Nashville, Tenn.

Coleman’s appointment was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.

Stephen B. King, Sr. who served as chairman of the search committee, has also been named the new Chairman of the Board of the Roanoke Island Historical Association.

“Bill Coleman brings a strong background in outdoor drama combined with administrative and financial experience that will serve The Lost Colony as it faces the challenges that lie ahead for both the organization and the industry,” said King.

Coleman considers it an honor to lead such an historic organization and looks forward to moving to Roanoke Island and becoming a part of the community that is responsible for the creation and continuation of our nation’s oldest outdoor drama.

As he watched the show this past summer, Coleman was impressed with the spectacular location of the Waterside Theatre and the almost museum like feeling of being on the spot where the actual events took place.

“I was impressed with how fast the show actually moves considering how much history is packed into one evening,” Coleman said.

Coleman received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Tennessee and a master of business administration degree from Bellarmine University in Louisville.

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