Stambaugh Auditorium hires executive director

Cannatti most recently worked at Cumulus Broadcasting.

the vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN — Philip A. Cannatti Jr. has been hired as executive director of Stambaugh Auditorium.

Cannatti had been active in the Stambaugh Pillars, a volunteer fundraising arm of Stambaugh Auditorium, since 2005.

His first day at his new position was Wednesday.

Cannatti most recently worked as an account manager with Cumulus Broadcasting in Youngstown. He said his background in sales and media allows him to bring a unique perspective to the position.

“Communication has always been vital to my career,” he said.

“It will be easy for me to talk to prospective promoters and clients about the value and professionalism they will receive at Stambaugh.”

Cannatti also appreciates the local and historic nature of Stambaugh.

“I’m local,” he said, “and I want to work with local people. I understand and appreciate the history of Stambaugh, and the history of Youngstown and surrounding areas. I think that’s why, during my radio career, my clients in this community have done so much business with me because they knew my goal was to help benefit their business, not just to sell ads and make money.”

William Conti, president of the board of directors of Stambaugh, said he looks forward to Cannatti leading the auditorium in a new and exciting direction, while still upholding current relationships.

“Stambaugh Pillars, Henry H. Stambaugh Youth Concert Bank, Monday Musical, Stambaugh Chorus and Western Reserve Opera, all housed under Stambaugh’s roof, will continue to grow their success with Cannatti as executive director,” said Conti.

Cannatti’s plans for Stambaugh include increasing the number of clients that use the facility. “I would like this facility to be used as often as possible by as many people as possible,” he said, “because once you come here to an event, and you see and experience the awe of Stambaugh, you’ll consider coming back for a business or even personal event.”

The position of executive director of Stambaugh has been vacant since the spring of 2007, when Steven Small, who previously held the job, resigned.