Andrew French Joins Tibbits Staff
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. announced the addition of Dr. Andrew French, CFRM, to its staff as Development Director. French, who began March 4, will oversee all aspects of fund development including membership, special campaigns, grant writing and donor relations.
From the Albion area, French brings special training as a Certified Fund Raising Manager from The Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. With a doctorate in chemistry from The University of Illinois, he began his career as a chemistry professor with more than 20 years at Albion College. In 2015, he transitioned to administration, in the Office of the President, and later into the development office for Albion College. In that role he secured planned gifts, blended gifts and cash gifts in excess of $1.9 million, in one year.
“I am very excited to join the team at Tibbits.” said French. “I have enjoyed coming to see shows at Tibbits and am looking forward to working with the staff and all supporters of Tibbits to realize the fundraising goals of this wonderful institution.”
According to Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney, “We are so happy to have Andy join us. I look forward to his expertise in helping us continue the growth Tibbits has seen over the past decade.” As a nonprofit, Tibbits relies heavily on membership, sponsorships and grants to support its programming. Delaney went on to explain the position is a partial reorganization expanding on a position vacated last summer.
Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 South Hanchett Street in Coldwater, Michigan. It is owned and operated by the Tibbits Opera Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is “to engage all in arts, culture, education and the preservation of the historic Opera House.” To support the theatre go online to Tibbits.org, stop at the Tibbits offices at 93 W. Chicago St., 9-5 Mon. through Fri., or call 517.278.6029.