Kelowna

Officials with the Rotary Centre for the Arts hope they got it right this time.

The RCA announced Thursday the appointment of Patrick LeBlanc as its new General Manager.

LeBlanc replaces Executive Director, Tracie Ward, who passed away suddenly at the end of March.

The RCA had offered the position to Valerie Cooper in May.

Cooper, the former president and CEO of the Art Gallery of Calgary had accepted the position, however, the offer was rescinded after it was reported she was the subject of a civil lawsuit and a criminal investigation over allegations she stole nearly $500,000 from the gallery through falsified expenses.

A search for a new general manager began again after the offer was rescinded.

LeBlanc assumes his new role August 20 after spending more than 25 years as an Arts Administrator in BC and Ontario.

Most recently, he was Managing Director for the East Kootenay's regional arts facility, the Key City Theatre.

"I'm really excited to be joining the team at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Walking into the RCA was love at first site for me," stated LeBlanc.

"The innovative programs, the bistro, Mary Irwin Theatre, all the activity - there's just so much going on here and it has such great energy. I can't wait to be part of it."