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Knowlton steps down from Panida post

CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 9 months AGO
by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | November 18, 2022 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — The Panida is in the market for a new managing director.

Veronica Knowlton, who has been with the historic theater for just over a year, submitted her resignation this week to accept a position with The Festival of Sandpoint.

“More bittersweet than fresh Red Vines, the curtain will be falling on my time with the Panida Theater,” Knowlton said in her resignation letter. “I am resigning as managing director effective the end of the year, before starting off on the next stage of my career.”

Her new position with the summer music series will allow her to stay a part of the local arts community, and to continue to serve guests from Bonner County and beyond, Knowlton said.

Panida board members told Knowlton at Thursday’s meeting that she would be missed — and that she had accomplished a lot in the short time that she had been with the theater.

“For more than a year, Veronica has orchestrated the rebirth, growth, and success of the Panida,” the board said in a press release announces Knowlton’s resignation.

Knowlton’s contributions have ensured that the Panida has continued as an outstanding venue for local, regional and national performers, the board members said in the statement.

“We know the arts community will benefit from Veronica’s skills that have been so helpful to the Panida,” board members said in wishing Knowlton success in her new venture.

For her part, Knowlton said she could not emphasize enough how much she appreciated her time stewarding the Panida.

"I cannot emphasize enough, how grateful I am for the opportunity to manage Sandpoint’s treasured living room for the past 14 months," she said in her resignation letter. "Growing a performing art’s venue through the rebound of a pandemic, cultivating multiple series programs, and launching the Panida Century Fund campaign has taught me a determination and resolve that I will carry with me for the rest of my career."

She told the board she would be available to facilitate a transition period while her replacement is found.

With Knowlton's resignation, the board said they are seeking applications for a new managing director. Applications, along with a cover letter and complete resume, should be sent to [email protected].

The deadline to apply midnight, Sunday, Dec. 4.

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