The Historic Masonic Theatre & Masonic Amphitheatre is pleased to announce that Wendy Hudler has joined the staff as of October 23 as Director of Operations.
Hudler is from a family of six children and grew up in Cloquet, Minnesota. She received her college degree in Human Development & Resources at University of Hawaii. She began golfing at age five and in 1983 became a golf professional at Boulder Resort in Carefree, Arizona. In 1995 she began teaching golf professionally and was selected as one of the top 50 instructors by Golf for Women’s Magazine.
From 2009 to 2022, she was co-owner/operator of Jack Mason’s Tavern in Clifton Forge. She managed the day-to-day operations, ordered the food and beverages, did the scheduling and managed special events. “The Tavern became the hub of the community and enticed many people, even those from far away, to come to Clifton Forge,” Hudler says.
Hudler has been active in the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism for the past three years and is currently a member of the executive board.
She is also co-owner of Adler Property Group which has restored homes and created rental properties in the area.
Hudler was bartending at the Masonic recently when Justin Reiter, executive director of the Theatre, told her that the Director of Operations job was open. After explaining all the job would entail, Hudler was interested. “One of the big things I like about this job is that it is mentally stimulating. The challenges are there, but the possibilities and opportunities of promoting the Theatre and getting people in here to use the different spaces are endless. The staff is dedicated and they care.”
Executive Director Reiter remarked, “The staff, Theatre Board and I are excited to add Wendy to our team at the Theatre. She brings a set of skills that suits the Director of Operations position very well; organization, fiduciary responsibility, inventory control, leadership, creativity, sales, and outside-the-box thinking. She is just what we need to be successful.”
Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board members include David Crosier, president; Joan Vannorsdall, vice president; David Hipes, treasurer; Josh Taylor, secretary; Kathy Bryant, Glen Bryant, Richard Bowyer, Lisa Dunster, Sean Dunster, and Gayle Hillert, exofficio.
Hudler’s vision for the Historic Masonic is to, “Provide a safe and welcoming environment for a broad and diverse audience. I want to introduce more people to the Theatre and all its possibilities, and I’d like to partner with different organizations to provide programming for a wide variety of socio-economic audiences. We hope to continue to expand the variety and quality of shows by getting more information out and getting more people in. I’m excited!”
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