The Paramount Theatre board of directors has promoted long-time Paramount staff member Eric Mallette to the position of executive director. Mallette had been serving as interim executive director since July 1, 2020 following the announcement that long-serving Executive Director Bruce Bouchard would be retiring at the end of the calendar year. Bouchard has been serving in the role of fundraising and development since Mallette’s interim appointment. Prior to the promotion, Mallette had been the theatre’s programming director.
“For 16 years I have had the tremendous pleasure of working alongside a team that represents a dedication to mission like no other,” commented Mallette. “Having the opportunity to now lead that charge is the honor of a lifetime and one I approach with great respect. Respect for the efforts of so many that have made The Paramount what it is today, a cornerstone at the intersection of our community’s morale and creative economy. Bruce leaves behind a legacy any new executive director would be privileged to carry forward and grow.” Mallette added.
Bouchard, who joined the theatre in 2008, helped grow the theatre’s annual budget substantially. His commitment to seeing the organization thrive is evident in every decision made over the course of his dozen years with the theatre. Expanded exhibition equipment was
added to the theatre’s ever-growing inventory of technical offerings, allowing big-screen experiences previously unavailable to the community including Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, free movies for the community and countless other screening opportunities were added to the theatre’s lineup. The doors are now open more than twice as often when compared with the first decade of the theatre’s re-opening and the events on the stage are more diverse than ever. His last day with the organization is Dec. 18.
“It has been an immense pleasure to join a committed and professional team of people and to help The Paramount Theatre grow and prosper. We have been able to raise the artistic profile to a level that I would never have thought possible upon my arrival in April of 2008,” said Bouchard. “The outpouring of donated financial support during these challenging times has been humbling. Having built this formidable brand with Eric over the past 12 years – I have come to deeply respect his artistic instincts, his creativity and business acumen and his undying love of the community. There is no doubt whatsoever that he will continue to build and re-define the excellence that is the standard bearer of our beloved hall. I wish him my very best.”
“Bruce helped create a brand that everyone in the community can be proud of. The Paramount is a beacon of success for the region and we are forever grateful for his contributions toward that end,” said Paramount Board President Charles Coughlin. “The Board’s faith in Eric is rooted in his commitment to seeing that that trend continues; his experience and dedication make him the perfect fit for the job.”
The Paramount board of directors voted unanimously on Nov. 23 to promote Mallette to the position.
Mallette brings to the position more than 16 years of experience at the beloved performing arts center in downtown Rutland. As The Paramount and arts organizations across the country contend with the devastating effect the pandemic has had on their sector, Mallette’s strong business acumen, commitment to the mission of the organization and knowledge of the community will be vital to the steps necessary to raise the curtain once again. In addition to the responsibilities of executive director, Mallette will continue with the charge of programming the historic theatre’s main stage offerings of world class live entertainment and big-screen offerings. A national search for a development director has been completed and the theatre is in the final stages of selecting the best candidate for the position.
“I am energized by the love this community has for The Paramount and am motivated by it to carry the torch forward as we continue to build upon the organization’s strength and further its mission,” Mallette concluded.
