ROCKLAND — “The Friends of the Strand Theatre (FOST) announce with regret that Jesse Davis, executive director of the Strand, is leaving her position,” said FOST, in a news release.           

Davis has been part of the Strand since 2014 and has served as executive director since 2015. In that time, she has expanded programming to reach wider audiences, established a robust education program engaging thousands of students and their educators and navigated through a pandemic. Davis has improved significantly the Strand’s financial footing and last year led the theater through a joyous centennial celebration, according to FOST. 

“Jessie has been a wonderful Executive Director,” said Ellen Seidman, FOST Board Chair. “It will be hard to fill her shoes, but I honor her decision that she has done what she came to do, and it is time to move on. I am particularly grateful that last year Jessie led the Board, staff, and community through a strategic planning process that provides a roadmap for a sustainable future for the Strand as it serves the community and the artists who give us such pleasure. The Board will be seeking a new executive director who can build on the foundation Jessie has laid.”

In reflecting on her years at the Strand, Davis said: “The Strand is an incredibly special place, and we are so fortunate that after 100 years it still stands strong as a vibrant anchor in the community. Regardless of what’s next for me, I will forever be committed to the Strand, as a member, a patron, and a participant — the Strand brings the world to my small coastal city and it’s a big part of why I love living in Rockland! It will forever have my heart and my support.”

Davis will stay on and assist the Board as it moves forward with the search for a new Executive Director. Details on the search will be announced soon.

For further information, or to provide your thoughts, please contact: future@rocklandstrand.com.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main St., Rockland.