Diane Benson

The board of directors of Davidson Community Players has wrapped up a three-month search for a new executive director, picking Diane Benson of Huntersville for the job. With a financial background and a “passion for the arts,” she takes over management of the theater group as it begins its 45th season. She starts work Monday, Feb. 1.

Ms. Benson replaces Cindy Rice, who had worked at Davidson Community Players for 10 years before stepping down in October. Ms. Rice is now development director at Jesuit Refugee Service USA, in Washington, D.C.

In a press release Friday, Davidson Community Players said Ms. Benson relocated to the area 2 years ago from Connecticut after a successful career in marketing and finance. She has led fund-raising efforts and was a volunteer at Westport Country Playhouse, in Westport, Conn., and has a background in acting and was once a student at HB Studios in New York.

After 30 years in Westport, Ms. Benson moved to the Lake Norman area to be near family. Since moving here, she has been involved local organizations including Davidson’s Ada Jenkins Center and Carolina Junior Achievement.

In a press release, she said of her new job: “This role is a dream come true for me. I am so impressed by the talent, the energy, and the quality of this beloved cultural organization. As the Davidson Community Players begins its 45th season, I look forward to enhancing the work of the board, staff, artists, volunteers and theatre patrons who have helped establish this theater company’s reputation for artistic excellence.”

Lisa Combs, chair of the Davidson Community Players board, said: “We knew it would be a tough task to replace Cindy (Rice), but are very pleased to find Diane and have her join our organization. Her background in marketing, administration and fund raising will be a great compliment to our artistic team and will allow us to continue reach out to broader audiences for our shows.”

Davidson Community Players is a non-profit organization that receives operating support from Charlotte’s Arts & Science Council. For more information, see www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org