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

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