A Tribute to Brian Edward Leach, 1981 – 2025

posted on July 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that we share the tragic news of former Executive Director Brian Edward Leach’s unexpected and untimely death. His sister, Diana Leach Stumpf, wrote movingly on Facebook about his passing on July 12. “He was at home with his rescue dog, Ace, by his side, who he loved more than anyone or anything in this life,” she wrote. Said Crandell President John Lillis, “I heard the news of Brian’s passing with disbelief. Brian was full of life, his love for theater and his love for the Crandell. In the short time he was with us in Columbia County, Brian established himself as a wonderful friend and neighbor. We are grateful for his contributions to the Crandell Theatre.” At the Crandell, Brian was the lively host of many first-time Crandell LIVE! events; he championed the Crandell’s “Have…

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photo/Kevin Canfield
photo/Kevin Canfield

The Crandell Appoints Mirissa Neff Executive Director

posted on July 1, 2025

(Chatham, NY—July 1, 2025)—Effective today, the Crandell Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mirissa Neff, former board member and VP of Programming, as the theater’s new Executive Director. Neff, a journalist and filmmaker with decades of experience telling human stories through the lens of art and culture, is deeply knowledgeable about all aspects of the film industry. She and her family have longstanding ties to Chatham, and her son is a student in the Chatham Central School District. She is strongly engaged in Chatham and the surrounding communities, and is committed to new and diverse programming. “The Crandell will be excellently positioned, under her leadership, to explore and present amazing film and non-film programming in our newly renovated theatre,” says President John Lillis. “We cannot believe our luck in having this wonderful opportunity to have Mirissa…

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The Crandell Appoints Sue Baer to the Board

posted on June 23, 2025

(Chatham, NY—June 23, 2025)—Sue Baer fell in love with the movies at the Crandell in middle school. Now she’s bringing that passion for cinema full circle as a new Board Director of the Crandell Theatre Board of Directors. An accountant and lifelong Ghent resident, Baer was appointed by the Board at their May meeting. Led by Board President John T. Lillis, the Crandell Board is comprised of six Executive Committee Officers and nine Directors. Crandell Executive Director Brian Edward Leach is an ex officio member of the Board. Baer, a mother to two children who is retired from public accounting, now travels, rides horses, and teaches yoga on Main Street in Chatham at Roots Holistic Wellness. She will join the Crandell Board’s Finance Committee. “Sue’s considerable acumen as a CPA for 32 years and as a very successful local business…

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