Local Arts Community Mourning The Passing Of Leading Figure

The head of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts passed away Friday morning after a two-year battle with cancer. CAPA announced the death of 64-year-old William Conner Junior in a statement. There will be a private funeral, and details on a public memorial service are pending. Conner was appointed president and CEO in 2002, leading the organization's model of business model and forming partnerships multiple local organizations. He led CAPA's multi-million dollar renovations of the Drexel and Lincoln Theatres, and its purchase of the Central Presbyterian Church. Conner helped found the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium, and in 2009 became heavily invovled in organizing the Festival Latino. Conner also played key role with arts organizations in Boston, Chicago, Toronto and other cities. The statement says executive vice president Chad Whittington will take over on a interim basis.