Executive director of Modesto’s State Theatre leaving for new job. What’s next for her?
.JPG "Executive Director Kirstie Boyett Zacharias, right, and husband Alan Zacharias sell popcorn at the State Theatre in May of 2020. Boyett Zacharias is leaving her job at the theater.")
Kirstie Boyett Zacharias has resigned as executive director of the State Theatre in Modesto to take a new job.
Boyett Zacharias, who took over the historic downtown Modesto venue in October 2018 from Sue Richardson, has taken the position of executive director of the American Leadership Forum (ALF), Great Valley Chapter.
“I love the State and will never stop loving the State, but this opportunity came to me,” Boyett Zacharias said.
Her last day at the theater is Friday, Feb. 25, and she starts her new job Monday, Feb. 28.
She led the theater through tough times since the coronavirus pandemic took hold, the State Theatre’s Board of Directors said in an emailed news release.
“In her time as executive director at the State Theatre, Kirstie helped navigate ‘a new normal’ when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, shuttering the theater and eliminating all revenue streams that came from live performances and film attendees. Kirstie and the staff had to get creative,” the release said.
For example, during the closure, the State held drive-in movie events at John Thurman Field and sold theater popcorn outside the venue on J Street to generate funds.
Boyett Zacharias, who wore a popcorn costume outside the theater on its Popcorn Fridays, said those sales raised $62,000. “The community supported us,” she said.
According to the board release, “Kirstie’s grit, passion to pursue new opportunities, and grant writing enabled the theater to stay afloat during a very tumultuous time.”
Gabriela Guerrini will take over as general manager, “overseeing daily operations until a plan is determined,” Boyett Zacharias said in a text. Guerrini has been the rental coordinator and concessions manager at the venue, according to its website.
Longtime part of theater
Boyett Zacharias served more than a decade on the nonprofit theater’s board, including two terms as its president, before taking over as executive director.
In addition to her leadership during the pandemic, the board’s release noted she was instrumental in the addition of The Jewel, a 24-seat theater adjacent to the State.
Boyett Zacharias said establishing The Jewel was her biggest accomplishment during her time at the theater.
“(It was a) million-dollar project,” she said. “When we opened (in December of 2019), I felt like I was giving birth to my third child. I was definitely a proud mama.”
In her new role, Boyett Zacharias will be one of a two-person staff, she said. The American Leadership Forum Great Valley Chapter, based in Modesto, is one of nine in a national organization that “teaches you internal leadership as well as inspiring connecting with other senior (members of the program),” Boyett Zacharias said. It includes Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced counties.
Boyett Zacharias will be missed, the State board’s release said. “We are thankful to Kirstie for her leadership and we wish her well as she moves into her new role at ALF...”
Boyett Zacharias said she has been part of the State Theatre since joining the board of directors in 2004. “I’ve loved every minute of it.”
While she’s “very excited” to start her new job, her time at the State has “been a great journey,” she said. “I will continue to love and support the State Theatre. ... It’s been a big part of my heart for a big chunk of my life.”
