Tampa Theatre names new CEO ahead of centennial

Tampa Theatre has selected George Levesque as its next president and chief executive officer following a national search. He will begin in June.

Levesque will succeed John Bell, who announced plans to retire in November after more than 40 years leading the nonprofit that operates the historic downtown movie palace.

The transition comes as the organization approaches its 100th anniversary in October and prepares for restoration work and continued changes to programming.

The Theatre’s board said Levesque was the unanimous choice after a national search, pointing to his background in nonprofit leadership, programming and community engagement.

Levesque has served since 2018 as executive director of the Historic Paramount Theatre in Abilene, Texas, a 1,131-seat venue with film, live performances and community programming. The organization also supports regional arts groups and produces its own stage productions, including musicals and plays.

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Before moving into arts leadership, Levesque spent two decades in broadcast journalism, including roles as a news director and anchor at an ABC affiliate in Abilene. He said that background shaped his focus on audience connection and community engagement.

“I could not be more proud to join the Tampa Theatre family,” Levesque said in a statement, adding that he had visited the theatre prior to Bell’s retirement announcement. “What an incredibly special place Tampa saved.”

Under Levesque’s leadership, the Paramount Theatre expanded its programming and audience reach. In 2023, he received the Individual Contribution Award from the League of Historic American Theatres, recognizing work in preservation and operations of historic venues.

Bell’s tenure reshaped Tampa Theatre’s business model, expanding programming from a limited repertory film schedule into a year-round mix of films, concerts, comedians and community events.

The nonprofit operates the 1926 theater as a film and cultural center, supported by public funding, private donors and memberships. The venue is owned by the City of Tampa.

Levesque takes over as the Theatre works to maintain attendance and expand programming while preserving a historic venue in a market shaped by streaming and changing entertainment habits.