Thalian Hall names CFCC Wilson Center’s Shane Fernando as new CEO

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After conducting a nationwide search, the Board of Trustees at Historic Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts (THCPA) announced Shane Fernando as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2024.

“With an outstanding track record of innovation and collaboration in the Business, Non-Profit, Education, and the Arts & Culture sectors, Fernando brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will build upon the work of the former Executive Director, Tony Rivenbark’s 42-year tenure at THCPA,” the Board of Trustees shared in a press release.

Fernando most recently served as the VP of Advancement and the Arts at Cape Fear Community College and as the Executive and Artistic Director of the Wilson Center. Additionally, he previously served at UNC Wilmington, as Director of Campus Life Arts and Programs and taught as an adjunct faculty member in the UNCW Department of Communication Studies.

Fernando earned a communication studies degree and a master’s degree in public administration from UNC Wilmington. After graduation, he moved to Washington, DC to work in the U.S. Senate. He currently serves as a Trustee for Historic Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and is also the programming consultant for the Hall, overseeing the booking of the Main Attractions Series. Fernando continues to serve on national, regional, state, and local consortiums, academic, and non-profit organizations supporting dance, education, and other aspects of the performing arts.

Fernando is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). He has been a director, property master, and actor in over 150 Wilmington theatre productions.

“I am humbled to take the reins of one of the oldest and most cherished historic theaters in our nation, our beloved Thalian Hall,” says Shane Fernando. “For over 165 years, she has captured the hearts of generations, including my own. It was life-changing to have my first experiences as a technician and performer on her stage over 30 years ago, and to learn so much from my dear friend and mentor, Tony. As we look forward to our crown jewel, Thalian Hall’s next chapter, I am honored to be coming home to be a part of building her future. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the community for its trust and faith in me for this responsibility.”

After the passing of Thalian Hall’s former executive director Tony Rivenbark, Rob Zapple served as the interim executive director while the board searched for its new CEO.