Matthew Kacergis

Background

About Matthew Kacergis

Matthew is an arts leader, performing arts presenter, performer, and creative based in Seattle and Northern Michigan. He joined the leadership team of the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in 2019 as Director of Programming and was named Executive Director in 2022. As the organization’s chief executive, he oversees a budget of $4.5 million, a staff of 15, and a year-round season of mainstage and educational programming. During his tenure, the Center has presented such world-class artists as Joshua Bell, Gladys Knight, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Chris Botti, Lyle Lovett, Chris Thile, The Manhattan Transfer, and more. He directed the Center’s summer 2022 production of Godspell and was the director/creator of Music of the Night in 2023. As an Associate Consultant with the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland, Matthew has co-authored dozens of strategic plans for cultural organizations spanning several disciplines and budget sizes under the leadership and guidance of Michael M. Kaiser, President Emeritus of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to supporting the Institute’s Strategic Planning practice, he has provided Artistic Programming services for performing arts venues, museums, and outdoor festivals. As an actor, he has performed at Ford's Theatre, Village Theatre, Disneyland, The Ogunquit Playhouse, The Shakespeare Theatre of DC, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, and many more. He starred as Prince Eric on the national tour of Disney's The Little Mermaid. His screen work includes independent films as well as an appearance on HBO's Veep. A proud SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association member, he served on several national and regional committees, including contract negotiating teams. Matthew studied Musical Theatre at The Boston Conservatory and received a Bachelor of Arts University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Core Certificate in Arts Management. He is an Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration candidate at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.