Steven H. Weiss, who has orchestrated for the past six years the regional arts and lectures presenting organization UC Davis Presents -- the largest such entity in Northern California outside the Bay Area -- has announced his resignation.
Weiss, 34, is leaving his position as director of University of California, Davis, Cultural Programs to become marketing manager for the Sacramento Bee, where he will be second in command in the company's marketing division.
"The position I have accepted at the Sacramento Bee represents an exciting career opportunity, offering new horizons for growth and challenge in my professional life," Weiss said.
"Having spent 12 years with the UC Davis Presents program, the last six as director, I have found my decision to leave the university a difficult one. I have been privileged to work with a wonderful staff and am deeply grateful to the community and the campus for giving me the opportunity and support needed to lead UC Davis Presents," he said.
Weiss' departure in mid-September surely will be felt, says UC Davis Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef.
"Since I have watched Steve Weiss grow professionally within UC Davis from the time he was an undergraduate, and his children grow from babies to boys, my sense of loss is akin to that when a family member leaves the fold," Vanderhoef said.
"But Steve's association with UC Davis now extends to just less than half his lifetime, and I understand his need to fulfill his long-held desire for corporate world experience."
Weiss joined the UC Davis Cultural Programs office in 1986, and since 1992 has directed the $2 million UC Davis Presents program, raising $500,000 of that amount annually through corporate, individual and government contributions. During Weiss' tenure, his vision for the program became a reality with the expansion of the program to a season that now presents more than 50 programs to regional audiences, including a community outreach program that offers more than 12,000 schoolchildren annually an opportunity to see live performing arts. As UC Davis Presents director, Weiss manages a professional staff of 10 and oversees 200 volunteers, including the Friends of UC Davis Presents.
The program that Weiss and his staff have created for the 1998-99 year includes performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, St. Louis Symphony, Tango Buenos Aires and a Jan. 23 concert by violinist Itzhak Perlman to celebrate the public launch of the UC Davis Center for the Arts -- a $30 million campaign to build an 1,800-seat performance hall on campus.
"We have enjoyed significant growth and success over the past several years and I am especially pleased that the program has helped position the campus to successfully launch the campaign for the Center for the Arts," Weiss said.
During the past few years, Weiss has played a key role in the campus's effort to build the performing arts center, serving on the executive and building committees as well as on the fundraising campaign cabinet.
"The extraordinary success of UC Davis Presents, developed by Steve and his predecessor/mentor, Jim Wockenfuss, was an absolute requirement for the success of our Center for the Arts project. For that, UC Davis will be forever in his debt," Vanderhoef said. "Steve leaves behind a team that will continue without skipping a beat, and a wonderful situation for his successor."
Charlie Soderquist, former UC Regent and current UC Davis alumni association president, underscored the contribution Weiss has made to the ongoing performing arts center campaign.
"It's fair to say there wouldn't even be a consideration of a performing arts center but for Steve's energy, creativity and foresight in the UC Davis Presents organization. The way he built up UC Davis Presents made it seem possible that we could have a performing arts center."
And because of Weiss' contributions, "the center is now at a step and a place where it can be completed. The infrastructure is in place," said Hal Sconyers, who along with his wife, Carol, is a patron, donor and volunteer for UC Davis Presents.
Weiss' association with UC Davis began when he left his Southern California home to enroll on campus as an undergraduate. After receiving his degree in managerial economics from UC Davis in 1986, Weiss commenced his professional career on campus. He began as the public events manager for the arts and lectures series, creating the UC Davis Distinguished Speakers Series, now part of the UC Davis Presents season. He became assistant director of University Cultural Programs in 1988, rising to director six years ago.
After earning a master of business administration degree from Golden Gate University, Weiss found himself back in the classroom in the past few years as a lecturer for the agricultural and managerial economics department, where he taught management theory and practice.
In addition to his role as director of UC Davis Presents, Weiss serves the region by sitting on the board of KVIE-Ch. 6, Sacramento's public television station. In the past, he has served as treasurer of California Presenters, vice-chairperson of the Davis Community Television Board of Directors, and board member of the Bodil Wennberg Memorial Foundation.
At the Bee, Weiss will be responsible for the advertising of the Sacramento Bee: he will oversee promotions, community relations and event marketing and creative work groups. He will also work with other divisions of the paper to drive circulation and advertising sales.
"With Steven having worked outside the newspaper industry, we look forward to his bringing a fresh perspective to our marketing efforts. His strategic thinking, management skills and knowledge of the community will make him an excellent addition to the Bee's top management team," said Ed Canale, director of marketing and new media for the Bee.
Weiss says he looks forward to continued involvement with UC Davis and to the completion of the campus's performing arts hall.
"Even though I've known Steve professionally for just a short period of time, I've been well aware of the impact of UC Davis Presents, the quality of its programs and its contributions to the region," said Celeste E. Rose, vice chancellor for university relations. "Steve will certainly be missed, but I look forward to working with him in other ways as he assumes his new role within the Sacramento community."
Media Resources
Susanne Rockwell, Web and new media editor, (530) 752-2542, sgrockwell@ucdavis.edu