BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Rep. Brian Higgins has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Shea's Performing Arts Center.
Shea's made the official announcement during a ceremony on Monday morning. He will lead Shea's Performing Arts Center, beginning February 5, 2024, after his resignation from the House of Representatives.
“This is Brian's first official bit of swag,” laughed Jonathan Dandes, board chairman, Shea’s Performing Art Center. “Ladies and gentlemen, Brian Higgins. Congratulations".
Shea's Board Chair Dandes revealed more than 100 applied for the job in an international search.
“And I’m happy to tell you that the selection was, at the end of the day, unanimous,” declared Dandes.
Higgins told a crowd packed in the lobby of Shea’s, which included the theater community and stakeholders, that there is a correlation between politics and theater.
“The theater is the art form through which our democracy was established. They're established at the same place — Athens, Greece — the same time — at the end of the sixth century,” Higgins explained.
"Shea's Performing Arts Center provides its patrons with magical, moving, and memorable experiences to share. Everything is built around that goal: from the industry-leading touring productions Shea's presents to the inspiring Tiffany-designed interior, the excellent local productions by our resident companies and other partners, and the hard work of Shea's staff, partners, and volunteers throughout the enterprise. With its robust subscriber base, supportive patrons, and unique heritage, Shea's is the envy of many of its peers across the nation. I will be honored to lead this institution, to build on its success, and to achieve its goals."
"The Congressman's return to Buffalo is a welcomed homecoming; his fresh perspective will enhance Shea's mission and strategic goals. He is the right person to steer Shea's towards a vibrant future with the dedicated board, leadership team, and staff."
Higgins says after serving 19 years in the 26th Congressional district, he’s frustrated with the lack of progress in Congress and is ready to lead this "iconic" cultural institution> He takes over following last year's resignation of former Shea's President Michael Murphy who was accused of creating a "toxic" work environment.
“My governing philosophy will be consistent with my administrative philosophy here, and that is everybody needs to be respected. Everybody needs to be their authentic self without fear or apprehension,” replied Higgins.
Higgins says he will create an inclusive work environment for all.
Board Chair Dandes told reporters he reached out to Higgins when he first learned the congressional leader was interested in applying for the president at SUNY Buffalo State.
“When the reports began that he was under consideration for the Buffalo State position, I called him and said ‘I had no idea you were thinking about leaving Congress. Would shea's be an opportunity that you might think about?’”, Dandes recalled.
“My goal here is to help make the theater district a more inviting place. This lobby. This theater is magical,” Higgins stated.
Higgins says he has a vision for improving the theater experience and coming into the theater district.
“When you do the infrastructure reforms, for example, returning cars to Main Street, right at this block, private sector investment is not coincidental. It is a cause-and-effect relationship is everywhere you go for every dollar spent in public dollars, you generate three to four or five in the case of Ohio Street $7 of private sector investment that follows,” Higgins noted. “The mayor wants downtown Buffalo to thrive. the county executive wants to downtown Buffalo to thrive and because Shea’s in such an important institution to downtown Buffalo — it’s a pretty good place to start.”
Higgins also noted it is time for Shea’s to tap into across-border theatergoers, noting there are 15 million people that live in southern Ontario.
Higgins says his goal is to make the theater district a more inviting place. Long-time theater critic Anthony Chase tells me he agrees with Higgins.
“And I think support for all arts and culture that he sees it as a flagship -- that means a leader, and I think, a leader across arts and culture for everything — you can tell politicians 'bazillion times that the arts have a greater financial impact economic impact than sports. No one ever believes it. but it's true,” remarked Chase.
Chase is also pleased new leadership will soon be in place for Shea’s employees who struggled with the past leader. Chase said he believes Higgins will make a difference.
“I'll tell you a little secret, my niece is on Brian Higgins’ staff. He is a very good boss. He is a very good leader. It's a very happy place to work and I think that he's going to bring that to Shea’s,” Chase responded.
Higgins must first resign from Congress but expects to begin his new post in February.
“I'll resign from Congress, the government calls a special election, which will be held within 72 days,” Higgins said.
In September, 7 News reported that Higgins was under consideration to lead Shea's amid speculation that he would leave the House.
READ MORE: 'Done deal': Sources say Higgins to become next president of Shea's
On November 12 Higgins announced that he would resign his seat in early February. At that point, he said he would address his future at a later date.
New York State Senator Tim Kennedy has announced his candidacy to succeed Higgins in the House.
READ MORE: 'I’m running for Congress': Sen. Tim Kennedy announces candidacy for Higgins' congressional seat
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz have also been tied to Higgins' congressional seat.
