Chapel Hill’s Chelsea Theater has appointed Jamie Webb as its new executive director. Webb’s first day will be Monday, Sep. 14.

Webb, originally from the United Kingdom, most recently served as Development Manager for the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham. He has worked with several other film festivals in the past, including the famous Sundance Film Festival in Utah. In 2021, Webb became general manager of the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, MA, helping the theatre through a 14,000-square-foot expansion. He currently sits on the executive committee of the Film Festival Alliance.

In a statement, the Chelsea Board of Directors, which led the selection process for Webb, praised his “combination of leadership experience, commitment to independent film, art house cinema and film festival management, fundraising, and enthusiasm for community engagement.”

“I am honored to join the Chelsea Theater,” Webb said. “The Chelsea has become one of North Carolina’s most respected nonprofit cinemas, known not only for exceptional film programming but for creating a place where people gather to learn, connect, and experience great stories together. I look forward to working with the board, staff, volunteers, members, and community partners to build on that success.”

Webb will replace outgoing executive director Emily Kass, who announced her retirement earlier this year after more than eight years in the role. Kass’ tenure saw the Chelsea navigate the COVID pandemic, a 13-month closure and a major renovation. In a statement, Kass called her work with the Chelsea “the privilege of a lifetime.”

“I could not be more excited to welcome Jamie,” Kass said. “The Chelsea’s greatest strength has always been its community, and I know the organization is well positioned for an exciting future.”

The Chelsea Theater is located in the Timberlyne Village shopping center at 119 Weaver Dairy Road in Chapel Hill. A nonprofit community cinema, it presents more than 500 films and welcomes more than 50,000 visitors annually.

 

Featured image via The Chelsea Theater

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Chelsea Theater Gets New Ownership
After an outpouring of support, the Chelsea Theater will continue operating under new ownership. The future of the small theater in Chapel Hill was in question when the current owner announced late last year that he would not be renewing the theater’s lease and, unless new ownership was identified, the theater located in Timberlyne Shopping […]
Local Group Considering Effort to Save Chapel Hill's Chelsea Theater
Local residents are mulling an attempt to save a Chapel Hill theater. Ownership of the Chelsea Theater in Timberlyne Shopping Center said in November that the future of the theater famous for showing independent films for nearly three decades was up in the air. “Now in the last year of our current 5 year lease, […]
Future of Chelsea Theater Uncertain
With the end of the Chelsea Theater’s current five-year lease looming, the future of the Chapel Hill stalwart for independent films remains uncertain. The theater released a statement suggesting that its current owner Bruce Stone may be nearing retirement. “On November 16 we will have started our 28th year of operation. Now in the last […]
Merritt's Grill Opening Second Location in Chapel Hill; Einstein Bros. Bagels Opening First
Merritt’s Grill, whose BLT sandwiches have been a staple of the Chapel Hill culinary scene since the restaurant opened in 1992, is opening a second location at Finley Golf Club. The restaurant will provide dine-in, to-go and catering services inside the newly refurbished Finley clubhouse and will be open to both players and non-players. An […]
Chapel Hill: Town Council Member Louie Rivers
Chapel Hill Town Council Member Louie Rivers joined 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, August 6, discussing town news and events. He discussed his time on the council so far, including what has been surprising, and what has been most exciting. He shared his priorities for the council for the rest of the […]
The Morning News: Legion Road, ArtsOrange, Jason Johnson, Bill Belichick
In today's news: Chapel Hill provides an update on the future of its 36-acre property on Legion Road, with a pond slated for removal.
Chapel Hill Police Creates Team to Investigate Vehicle Break-Ins; 14 Reported Over Weekend
The department said it responded to 14 vehicle break-ins over the weekend, and 320 so far in 2026. The team will focus on finding patterns.
Chapel Hill: Growth and Development, Carolina North, Legion Pond
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, July 30, discussing town news and events. She talked about a chamber event on growth and development she had attended earlier that day, which included updates on the North South Bus Rapid Transit project, and more. She also shared updates on UNC's Carolina North Plans, the Legion Road property and pond, and more.
Red Cross Declares Blood Crisis: Here's Where You Can Donate Locally
The American Red Cross is calling for immediate blood donations, declaring a national blood crisis for the second time in history.
Chapel Hill Shares LUMO Draft, Which Could Reshape Development Standards and Housing Types
After nearly a decade since Chapel Hill first launched plans to rewrite its land use management ordinance, or LUMO, a draft has arrived.
›