Connie Rosemont to Depart Red River Theatres

The Red River Theatres Board of Trustees has announced that Connie Rosemont, Executive Director, has given her notice and will leave Red River at the end of 2011. Rosemont has served as Executive Director of the independent arts cinema for three and a half years and was a founding member of both the Red River Board of Trustees and “SNOB,” the Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival.



“Since 2000, Connie has been a tremendous force in bringing Red River to where it is now. We are sorry to see her go, but she leaves us with a great staff in place and her spirit will stay here,” Jeanne Herrick, Board chair said. “Her vision, energy and dedication to Red River, to downtown Concord, and to New Hampshire’s arts scene as a whole have been outstanding.”



Under Rosemont’s leadership, Red River has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named by Yankee Magazine in January as one of the five best cinemas in New England. In addition to its films, the theater is known for its community conversations film series; its annual Red Carpet awards gala; its revolving art gallery; and its unique concession stand offerings.



Rosemont has reassured the Board, staff and volunteers that she will continue to play a role in Red River Theatres’ growth. “My family and I have invested too much of ourselves into this theatre to not be involved going forward. This is a community treasure and I’m so proud to have been able to contribute at this level. I’m willing to work with the Board and staff during the transition, and beyond, in whatever capacity makes sense,” Rosemont said.



Rosemont’s immediate plans are to spend more time with her family and to help her sister’s efforts to organize a new non-profit. Beyond that, she will continue working in the non-profit arts sector, where her passion lies. “I am committed to the arts; I’m committed to the civic life of this community. I’ve had 11 years working with wonderful people to build Red River and I’m looking forward to some new challenges,” Rosemont added.



As Executive Director of Red River, Rosemont helped bring the independent theater to a nationally recognized arts organization with over 900 members and 53,000 moviegoers in 2010. She was recognized earlier this year by Gov. John Lynch for her work, receiving the 2011 Governor’s Distinguished Arts Leadership Award for providing “extraordinary leadership in transforming an idea into a reality with the creation of Concord’s only independent movie theater.”



An executive search committee is being formed to hire a new Executive Director and will include Board members, volunteers, donors and community members. The search is scheduled to begin in August, with the goal of having a new Executive Director in place before year end.



“Connie has done an extraordinary job leading Red River. She will be sorely missed,” said longtime Board member Harold Janeway. “We are extremely grateful to her not just for her tireless work and commitment, but for being the face of Red River for so long. She leaves us in a strong position to move forward, and we are heartened to know she will remain connected to Red River.”