DETROIT, Mich., January 8, 2009 – Joan A. LeMahieu, President of The Parade Company and Executive Director of the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation has resigned effective February 4, 2009. She will be joining the Global Spectrum organization initially as General Manager of The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California. Global Spectrum, a Philadelphia-based public assembly facility management company, has more than 80 facilities throughout the United States and Canada, and is part of one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies, Comcast-Spectacor.
“Joan’s leadership at The Parade Company during the last four years has strengthened its financial picture, identified new sources of revenue through her entrepreneurial activities, recruited a talented staff, and created a strategic vision for the future,” said Matthew P. Cullen, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We will miss her.”
During LeMahieu’s leadership, The Parade Company began a number of new programs, including partnerships with the area’s educational and non-profit organizations like Wayne State University, Cornerstone Schools, and the College of Creative Studies, and generated new markets for the creative products of The Parade Company outside Michigan.
“I am very grateful to have been a part of The Parade Company and enjoyed the opportunity to work with a committed group of community and business leaders on our Board, and an amazing group of generous sponsors and supporters,” said LeMahieu.
The search for a new president will begin immediately, focusing on talented individuals who understand the traditions of The Parade Company and the particular opportunities associated with the organization.
Letters of interest or resumes can be faxed to Julia Wachler at 734.805.0675.
