Head of Brewery Arts Center steps down

John Procaccini, the executive director of the Brewery Arts Center, said he is resigning from his position, but intends to continue to work for the organization as a consultant.

The organization's board of directors was expected to take up the matter Wednesday night and also discuss the possibility of replacing Procaccini, he said. Bruce Robertson, the president of the board, declined to comment until after the meeting.

"I'm not sure the BAC at this particular time needs someone like me who's pretty aggressive," Procaccini said. "I am going to stay on as a consultant through the year end and possibly through the end of the fiscal year."

Procaccini, who was hired by the BAC board of directors in May 2005, said he wants to oversee some ongoing projects at the center, including restoration projects on the buildings and the closure of Minnesota Street between its properties among other programs.

He said he came to the decision about a month ago amid a tightening budget for the organization, which in turn will limit the level of programming the center offers.

"With the inability to move on in a very aggressive manner, it really makes no sense for someone like myself, my strengths are in programming," he said. "If we're going to limit our programming, at least for the next year, I can do that without sucking out a salary from this place."

He said the board is expected to discuss possible replacements at Wednesday's meeting, but more information won't be available until today.

The Brewery Arts Center was founded in 1975 as a cultural center for the region. It hosts events, galleries, theater and musical productions among others.

At one point, its budget had grown to just less than

$1 million, but since the start of the recession has been cut to about $500,000. Its budget was about $700,000 last fiscal year.