COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Christine Delaney was recently honored by District Five Altrusa International when she was awarded the Elizabeth Powelson Award for Career Achievement. Previous club winners, include Connie Winbigler, Jan Storrs, and Caroline Austin.
Delaney was recognized for her work as the Executive Director of the Tibbits Opera House for the past 19+ years, where she has taken the theater to great heights, growing regionally and even receiving national recognition.
She oversees the overall operations, fundraising, programming, and preservation of the historic theater, built in 1882, the second oldest operating theater in Michigan. She led the organization through a $3.5 million capital campaign and three phases of restoration including an award-winning restoration of the theater’s historic exterior. The project was recognized with the Michigan Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, the Michigan Historic Preservation Network’s Gem award, and Preservation Awards by both the Detroit and Michigan divisions of the American Institute of Architects, among other awards. Delaney also serves on the board of directors of the League of Historic American Theatres
The theatre produces its own professional summer stock theater, called one of “10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway” by USA Today. It presents touring artists including tribute bands, regional bands, comedy shows and headliners. Its youth programming includes Popcorn Theatre and shows with casts of students, performances for area schools, and a teen theatre group which helps with shows and produces its own Teen Talent Show. There is a Classic Film series, an active art gallery and many cultural events. Additionally, the theatre is used by more than a dozen groups for community productions, school plays, concerts and dance recitals.
Besides her success at the Tibbits, Delaney has volunteered for St. Charles Borromeo Church, Coldwater Country Marketing Group, Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce, Branch County Community Foundation, and the Branch County Community Theater.
She has been a member of Altrusa for 32 years and has served on nearly every committee, including serving as president twice. She helped establish the first ASTRA club at Coldwater High School as well as was significant in the opening of Altrusa Teen S.H.A.R.E. Delaney currently serves as the chair of the newsletter committee.
Delaney and her husband Ken, Market Manager for WTVB-AM 1590/FM 95.5, have two sons, Jason and Sean. Besides her work at the theatre, she also enjoys yoga, swimming, and kayaking.
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