Westhampton Beach - The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center announced that, after 14 years, Len Conway has stepped down as Chairman and President of the Board of Directors. Len will remain a member of the Board and its Executive Committee. Neil Braun has been named the new Board President and Thomas B. Poole will hold the position of Chairman. Jane Dell and Bob Friemann were reelected as Board Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. The changes became effective following the PAC's regular Annual Meeting held on April 13, 2011.

Len's transition comes he stated "when the PAC is in its strongest artistic and financial position ever." He commented "The Center has a wonderful program, an effective, creative Board and a fabulous, dedicated staff. Tom and Neil have extensive Board experience and each has demonstrated proven leadership. They are ideally suited to take the organization to the next level of success."

New Chairman of the Board, Thomas B. Poole is the Chairman and CEO of Hallen Construction in Island Park. Tom seeks to develop an ongoing strategic plan for the Board and administrative team to move forward with. "The role I have to play involves responsibility for the theatre in its whole dimension," Tom says, "responsible for its growth, its continued success and its financial stability." He believes that with clear and defined future goals, the PAC will continue to flourish and transform not only the community, but the East End of Long Island, as well.

Tom Poole has been elected Chairman of the WHBPAC. (Courtesy Photo: WHBPAC)

Neil Braun, former president of NBC Television Network, Chairman and CEO of Viacom Entertainment, and current Dean of the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, will take the reins as new Board President. "My focus has been and will continue to be to serve as a sounding board for Executive Director, Clare Bisceglia, about operational and strategic issues," Neil says. "I see the theatre continuing to grow as an important community resource for the arts and entertainment, offering even more diversified programming for a growing audience."

As he passes the torch, Len is equally encouraged about the future of the theatre. "We all love the arts; we are passionate about the arts," Len says. "We're equally passionate about strengthening and energizing this community." He remains confident that the PAC will continue to involve people and grow as it stays true to its founding principles: to entertain, educate and inspire through the arts, while serving as a catalyst to enhance the area economy and enrich the quality of life of the greater Westhampton community.