From Facebook:
Chris Zacher
April 32, 2022 I know this is going to come as a surprise to a lot of people.
Today, as painful as it is, I am announcing that I am leaving Levitt effective April 8th. I feel a great sense of pride in what the organization was able to accomplish under my leadership. I want to thank everyone who stood by my side through thick and thin, those who worked long hours to make our stage shine, and to this community for their dedication to our existence and mission. There’s been a lot of you, but a special thanks to my wife Megan, Chase Wessel, Andy Thomas, Jason Zink, and Dan Steinberg. You all bought into this dream and helped make it a reality.
On June 21, 2012, I listened to a pitch where I was being asked to build amphitheater in Ruby Hill Park. I was intrigued but had no intention of doing anything other than listening. That day was my 7th wedding anniversary – Megan and I made this pit stop on our way to celebrate. A few short days later, I called then City Councilman Chris Nevitt and I told him I was in. I thought it would take a short time to raise the proposed $4M in funding, and we would be up and running in two years. Those two years turned into five and the $4M turned into $8M. When I started this project Megan asked me how long I planned on staying around and I said “3-5 years or until we’re stable.” Here I am almost ten years since I listened to the pitch, and it’s been the ride of a lifetime.
When took on this role, I was excited about what Levitt could be and what it could mean for this community. My plan was to get it out of the ground, limp through the growing pains, and make certain that when I did leave, it was in a financially stable position. I completed all of those tasks and as much as I would like to stick around, my heart just hasn’t been in it for quite some time.
Running an Amphitheater the size of Levitt with a hands-on approach is taxing. It’s a 365 day a year job where 184 of those days require more hours than most work in a single year. My son was 4 when I started Levitt, he’s 13 now. I haven’t had a summer with him since he was 8. I joke with everyone that working on the live production/venue side of this industry requires you to be married to your job. Well, I no longer want to be married to my job. The summer is upon us and I need a reset, a long break, time with my family, and to take care of myself.
The very few people I have told have asked me where I’m going. The answer is I don’t know yet, I’m searching for that. When I find that spot, I’ll certainly let everyone know. I’m not in a hurry. I want to take time to evaluate opportunities and land in a space that’s best for me. I’ve spent my entire career building and fixing things, I know that there are plenty of places that need both, Levitt doesn’t need either.
Take care, don’t be shy, my number is the same, and you can always email me @ chriszacher@gmail.com. As Ringo loves to say, “Peace and Love, Peace and Love.”