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Ficeto takes on new role; Miller named President of West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo)

West Hudson, NJ – January 19, 2022: The Executive Board of the West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo) has announced that founding President Jerry Ficeto will assume the newly created role of Founding President Emeritus for the West Hudson-based community theater effective immediately. In his new role Ficeto will continue to work with the creative and technical teams; actively participate in outreach to the community as well as serve in an advisory capacity to the WHATCo Executive Board. Current Vice President Brandi-Leigh Miller has been named the new President of WHATCo. The vacated role of Vice President will be named at a later date. Both Cecilia Lindenfelser and Linda Kraus D’Isa will remain in the respective roles of WHATCo Executive Board Treasurer and Secretary.

For the last 10 years under Ficeto’s direction, the WHATCo mission has been to bring live theater back to the West Hudson community through quality productions and theatrical education that enhances the community. Founded by Ficeto in 2010 with a small group of arts-minded citizens, business people and educators, WHATCo has grown into an active and vital part of West Hudson, boasting dozens of theatrical performances and collaborations, community events and arts education programs. “If WHATCo. never existed, our community would certainly survive, but I believe it would be a far grayer place, and our absence would surely be felt. WHATCo has certainly already made a difference in the lives of so many in our community .”

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead WHATCo into our next decade,” said Miller of her appointment. “WHATCo has filled a much-needed role in this community over the last 10 years, so when asked by Jerry – who has become a mentor and true friend — if I would be interested in carrying on his vision my answer was an enthusiastic yes!”  That goal will be to evolve the community theater’s identity, broaden its footprint in all the communities in West Hudson, and expand and innovate within both programming and the WHATCo arts education program.

Ficeto says of Miller: “We believe Brandi has the vision and the talent to deliver our theater company to its next phase as we work towards expanding our footprint in the West Hudson community, be increasingly innovative and  inclusive with our programming, and enhance our already successful Education Department.  WHATCo couldn’t be in better hands.”

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