Jerry Wedge Stepping Down After 12 Years Leadership

On June 30, 2024, Jerry Wedge will step down as Executive Director, following a 12-year tenure, as well as a nearly 20 year presence as an architect and painter in the vibrant studio artists community.

Jerry was hired as the Executive Director of The Umbrella in January of 2012. After a long and fulfilling career as an architect, three terms on the Concord Public School Committee and Concord-Carlisle Regional School Committee, and a brief tenure as the COO for a Cambridge non-profit, Jerry brought vast experience of planning, community building, and problem solving to The Umbrella at a time of transformation and expansion.

He received a degree in Architecture from Syracuse University in the early 80’s, and worked on architectural projects primarily for public and non-profit institutions. He started his own practice in 1999, focussing on mission driven organizations. At the same time, he began a second career volunteering. In 2005, he was offered a studio on the third floor of The Umbrella, and soon after, took up painting.

Throughout his career, up to and including his years at The Umbrella, Jerry has modeled the principles of creativity and practicality; understanding that successful projects need the vision to entice engagement and the structure to make them real. With these traits, Jerry led the organization through the construction of its new state of the art facility. Other highlights of his tenure include the transition of The Umbrella Stage Company to a professional Actors Equity affiliated company, developing the Artist Residencies as part of the artist studios, and most recently adding expanded capacity for The Umbrella Ceramics Studio.

While he’s stepping down from his role at The Umbrella, he has no intention to retire. Having successfully completed the strategic goals and plans set forth during his leadership, he says he now intends to continue his personal and artistic pursuits and after some time away from The Umbrella, “looks forward to returning as a supporter and seeing the creative initiatives that lie ahead.”

Wedge has lived in Concord since 1993 with his wife Carole. They raised two daughters and plan to stay involved in the community for a long time. 

A detailed account of Wedge’s background and journey to Concord and The Umbrella may be found in this May 12, 2016 interview taken by Michael Nobel Kline and Carrie Nobel Kline, part of an Oral History Project by the Concord Free Public Library.

INTRODUCING THE WEDGE FUND

In recognition of Jerry's remarkable commitment and contributions, The Umbrella has established The Wedge Fund— endowment funds dedicated to ensuring the ongoing vitality and sustainability of The Umbrella's facility well into the future. We invite you to join us in honoring Jerry Wedge's extraordinary legacy by contributing to The Wedge Fund, in support of  the future of The Umbrella Arts Center for generations to come.

LEARN MORE OR CONTRIBUTE

Photos: Upper left: 2019 Grand Reopening Concert by Nicholas Warchol; Lower right: Jerry Wedge portrait by Pierre Chiha