Sarasota Ballet names Joseph Volpe interim managing director

Following Tuesday's announcement that it was releasing Mary Anne Servian from her position as managing director, the Sarasota Ballet announced it will appoint Joseph Volpe interim managing director. 

Volpe will take a leave of absence from the board of the Sarasota Ballet to fill the role and assist Sarasota Ballet Board Chairwoman Hillary Steele and Director Iain Webb in a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Volpe says the ballet hopes to have a candidate narrowed down within the next six months.

Volpe joined the board in 2014 and brings experience as the former general manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

"I have a high level of respect for Iain and the entire board," says Volpe. "I'm happy to help in this way. I have a lot of experience in performing arts management, and I have the ability to get things done. I have a lot of contacts, and I'm happy to use my experience to help get the ballet where it should be."