Alumnus named front-of-house coordinator for arts center

Joining the staff of the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center at the State University of New York at Fredonia in January was a full-circle moment for Daniel Cherry.

The Fredonia native was named front-of-house coordinator for Rockefeller, following a 30-year career in public education in New Hampshire. Cherry is a 1985 SUNY Fredonia graduate. He succeeds Jody Falkner who is now the executive director at United Way of Northern Chautauqua County.

“I am so happy to be back in Fredonia and have a role at the university,” Cherry said. “I love the arts. I enjoy live performances and seeing the talents of the student population at Fredonia.”

During his time as a student at Fredonia, Cherry was a member of the Fredonia Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Donald Lang.

Cherry’s professional career saw him serve as an elementary educator, principal and technology director and also work for the New Hampshire Department of Education.

He has been active in community theater, having had roles at the New London Barn Playhouse in New London, NH.

“Mr. Cherry brings a diverse skill set to the front-of-house position and we are thrilled to have him on board,” said Rockefeller Arts Center Director Jefferson Westwood.

As front-of-house coordinator, Cherry is responsible for overseeing audience experience in Rockefeller’s primary performance venues – the Harry A. King Concert Hall, Robert W. Marvel Theatre and Alice E. Bartlett Theatre. He will also recruit and train house managers, assistant house man-agers and ushers and carry out other related duties. The front-of-house coordinator is a half-time position.

Rockefeller Arts Center hosts approximately 130 events each season with an average annual at-tendance of more than 27,000.