A SPOTLIGHT ON BEAT

Candace Wilson

Executive Director, Chuck Mathena Center

SUPERPOWER: Passion

Once a drum major for Marshall University’s Marching Thunder, Candace Wilson now leads efforts at the 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art Chuck Mathena Center (CMC) performing arts venue in Princeton. The opportunity came after working a year and a half at the CMC box office. “I have a degree in English and a huge heart for the arts, and somehow that perfect storm created a home for me to get to do something I love every day,” she says.

Growing up in Princeton, Wilson was submerged in the arts, including band and choir. She always had a love for theater, but it was the Marshall Artists Series that truly fueled her passion. “Having the opportunity to attend anything from local theater to Broadway performances in Huntington breathed life into me in ways I didn’t know possible,” she says.

Named for the late Charles T. “Chuck” Mathena II, an avid performing arts participant and supporter, the Princeton venue draws more than 60,000 patrons annually to attend off-Broadway theater and musicals, concerts, and comedy and dance shows as well as other national-touring shows and local events and classes.

Wilson has been with the CMC since 2016 but puts her skills to use all over West Virginia. “I’ve spent nearly a decade working with other organizations to build our community and tourism, not only for southern West Virginia, but for the state,” she says.

She serves on the board of the Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau, working with the City of Princeton to help with community events. She and her husband, David—a former music educator who serves as technical director at CMC—work together adjudicating marching band festivals throughout the state. Their children, Trey and Cadence, are both involved in the performing arts, too.

Wilson’s immense passion keeps her inspired. “I love with my whole personality and continuously seek to learn, improve, and stay informed and engaged,” she says. “My goal is always to leave something better than I found it, and I hope when I’m long gone, I’ll be remembered for making a difference.”

WRITTEN BY JULIE PERINE

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