New York - The Queens Theatre in the Park Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Ray Cullom as executive director. Cullom brings 20 years of experience in arts administration, programming and production. Prior to this appointment, he was managing director of the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Conn.

“Ray’s experience and expertise will assure the continued success of our vibrant and diverse performing arts institution in New York,” said Frances A. Resheske, Queens Theatre President of the Board of Directors. “He has done a remarkable job by setting both artistic and management visions at several institutions. Our patrons and donors stand to benefit from Ray’s leadership.”

Cullom begins his new position later in March.

“I am honored to be chosen for this position. It is an exceptional opportunity to join a thriving arts organization that is rooted in one of the world’s great communities,” said Cullom. “I look forward to our family becoming fully engaged in the life of this wonderful borough and great City. We will work together to enhance the Theatre’s reputation as a premier cultural destination and an important arts education resource for families.”

Cullom will lead the Theatre by setting the vision and strategy, overseeing operations, fundraising, sales and artistic programming.

Prior to his time at the Long Wharf Theatre, Cullom was the executive director for the Bethesda Theatre in Bethesda, Md., and the executive producer for Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment’s BT Productions.

A Philadelphia native, Cullom graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Anthropology. He received additional education at the City University of New York/Brooklyn College in their acclaimed MFA Directing Program. Cullom is married with three children.

Queens Theatre in the Park is the premier performing arts venue in Queens. The Theatre’s mission is to provide quality and diverse performing arts activities that are economically and geographically accessible to the 2.2 million residents of Queens, the most ethnically diverse county in the nation, and the surrounding metropolitan region. To foster greater cultural awareness and appreciation, the Theatre presents and produces programs that reflect this diversity and feature international, national and local artists. The Theatre recently completed a $27 million renovation and expansion adding new amenities and a cabaret performance space. The Theatre is also completing a $2 million capital campaign to support programming initiatives. For more information about the Theatre’s productions, visit www.queenstheatre.org.