Levitt Shell names new executive director
Natalie Wilson, director of visitor experience at Shelby Farms Park, is replacing Anne Pitts as executive director of the Levitt Shell at Overton Park effective Jan. 7, Pitts confirmed Friday.
Wilson will take the helm as Levitt Shell enters its 11th year of providing outdoor concerts at its Midtown venue in Overton Park.
Wilson could not be reached Friday, but Pitts said she will work with her successor to ensure a smooth transition.
“That’s the top priority,” Pitts said. “I will continue to work with the Levitt Shell for about a week or so after (Wilson) begins, working directly with her, to make it as seamless as possible.”
Pitts has been the Levitt Shell’s executive director since the venue became the Levitt Shell in September 2008. Since that time, the location has become a destination for outdoor concerts throughout the summer and fall.
Pitts said programming for the coming season is in progress now through February, and Wilson will lead that process.
“We’ve been through this cycle a number of times by now, so it should go pretty smoothly,” Pitts said.
Pitts plans to take the coming year off to travel before returning to Memphis late in the year.
“I’ll be taking off on a journey across the U.S. and Canada, returning to Memphis in November,” she said. “At that point, I’ll be looking around to see where I can best fit in and serve the city.”