Molly Rowan-Deckart is the new CEO of Marquee Arts, overseeing the Michigan and State Theaters. She officially started her position on January 6.
“Being the first female CEO of the Michigan Theater in nearly a century is an incredible honor, and it’s not a responsibility I take lightly,” Rowan-Deckart said. “Representation in leadership matters, especially in the arts, where storytelling shapes how we see the world. The arts should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, and I see this as an opportunity to not only carry forward the legacy of the Michigan Theater but to build a future where inclusion and representation are woven into every aspect of our work.”
She has spent over a decade working in the fine arts and film sectors, leading nonprofit organizations, as well as worked as an advocate for public policy to support the arts, developing programs that expand access to artistic expression and workforce development in the creative sector.
“My passion lies in fostering creative spaces that bring communities together, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and essential part of our cultural landscape,” Rowan-Deckart said.
Rowan-Deckart earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Boise State University. She has been recognized as the Business Leader of the Year by the Florida Alliance for Arts Education and as Idaho Woman of the Year.
She feels the arts are the perfect place to ensure everyone is included and represented.
“Increasing representation is not just important — it’s essential,” Rowan-Deckart said. “The arts hold space for everyone quite naturally. Additionally, I want to ensure that our hiring practices, programming decisions, and outreach efforts are actively fostering inclusivity.”
She has already identified her top priorities in the role. Rowan-Deckart previously served as the CEO of the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, Florida, and as the CEO of the Boise Film Foundation.
“In the immediate future, my top priorities are to deepen community engagement, strengthen financial sustainability, and expand the reach of our programming,” Rowan-Deckart said. “I want to listen — to our staff, our board, and, most importantly, our audience — to understand what excites and inspires them.”
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She emphasized her commitment to maintaining the theaters as cultural anchors in Ann Arbor while exploring opportunities for growth.
“Ensuring that our operations and programming remain relevant and accessible to a broad audience is central to our mission,” Rowan-Deckart said.
Her education and professional experience have prepared her for this leadership role. Her network spans the nonprofit, film and arts advocacy sectors.
“My experience leading arts organizations, securing funding for cultural initiatives, and advocating for policy changes has given me a strong foundation to navigate this role,” Rowan-Deckart said. “Over the years, I’ve built relationships with filmmakers, arts educators, government officials and philanthropic leaders — connections that will help us strengthen the Michigan Theater’s position as a national model for arts programming and community engagement.”
She also believes her role as a mother has enhanced her leadership capabilities.
“I’m the proud mother of three incredible children — Maisie (18), Mia (15), and Rowan (13),” Rowan-Deckart said. “Being a mother deeply influences my leadership style and artistic perspective. Parenthood has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of seeing the world through multiple lenses. It’s also reinforced my belief in the transformative power of the arts — how storytelling can shape young minds, spark curiosity and build empathy.”
She added that her leadership approach is collaborative and community-driven, drawing parallels to her parenting philosophy: “creating space for diverse voices and making sure everyone feels valued and heard.”
Russ Collins served as the executive director/CEO of the Michigan and State Theaters for over 40 years. Before Collins, the Michigan Theater was led by Gerald Hoag from its opening in 1928 until his retirement in 1974.
Marquee Arts (formerly the Michigan Theater Foundation) is a Michigan-based nonprofit that manages the operations of the historic Michigan and State Theaters. Rowan-Deckart’s appointment marks a milestone, making her the first female CEO of the Michigan Theater in nearly a century.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
