Veteran arts administrator and Mercer University alumnus Dr. Frank E. Wood has been named executive director of Macon’s historic Grand Opera House, effective Oct. 17. He succeeds Joe Patti, who resigned in May to pursue other professional opportunities. 

Dr. Wood, who was director of arts marketing and communications at Mercer from 1995-2001, currently serves as vice president for advancement at The College of the Florida Keys, and for the past 17 years has also served as executive director of the Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West, Florida. He previously served as executive director of the Key West Symphony Orchestra.

“Frank was appointed as Mercer’s first arts marketing director in 1995 when the University entered into a long-term lease with Bibb County to manage The Grand Opera House, and he has remained engaged with The Grand and Mercer as a loyal alumnus through the years,” said Larry D. Brumley, senior vice president for marketing communications and chief of staff. “He brings extensive arts management experience to this key leadership position, including a successful track record in programming, fundraising and community relations. I am very pleased that he is returning home to lead The Grand and its talented staff.” 

Dr. Wood earned his B.B.A. and M.B.A. in marketing from Mercer’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business, and has a Doctor of Business Administration from the Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University.

His experience at The College of the Florida Keys also includes serving as dean of arts and sciences, business administration program director and faculty member and executive director of the Florida Keys Educational Foundation. He is a graduate of the Florida Chancellor’s Leadership Academy and its Master Teacher Seminar. 

As executive director of the Tennessee Williams Theatre, he has presented more than 270 concerts and national touring Broadway shows. 

“I am excited about the possibilities and grateful for the opportunity to return to Mercer and The Grand. Both institutions hold a special place for me. I look forward to reuniting with the community and to presenting a variety of entertaining, high-quality performances for the arts patrons of Central Georgia,” noted Dr. Wood.