Jane Podgurski, long-time general manager of the Warner Theatre in downtown Washington, D.C., died following complications from long-term illnesses.
Podgurski was general manager at the time of the Warner’s 1992 reopening after a three-year renovation and was responsible for management of all facets of the operation including booking, budgeting, and staff supervision. As regional general manager for the Houston-based Theatre Management Group and subsequently vice president for theatrical operations, Clear Channel Entertainment-Theatrical, she oversaw management of the Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore, MD and was instrumental in development of the renovation of the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore. A promotion brought her to the New England office of Clear Channel Entertainment-Theatrical in 2004.
Prior to arriving in Washington, D.C., she was general manager of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale, FL for five years, at the War Memorial Auditorium also in Ft. Lauderdale, and at Omni Auditorium at Broward (FL) Community College. She was graduated from McGill University in Montreal.
Podgurski was a member of IAAM, a secretary of District V, and an instructor in the early days of the Public Assembly Facility Management School at Oglebay.
Her passions included sailing and traveling. A big fan of tennis, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open were high points on her calendar.
Washington, D.C. area friends and former colleagues are gathering to celebrate her smile, leadership, friendship, and legacy on Monday September 20, 2010 at the Warner Theatre, 13th Street N.W. between E & F Streets.
A guestbook for remembrances is at http://rememberingjane2010.blogspot.com and honoringjane@ymail.com