HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20251210.Regular Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
December 10th, 2025, | 3:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller (Chair), Amy Mountjoy (Vice Chair), Dr. Tom Kurt
(Secretary), Ziska Childs, Nina Gabianelli, Bob Ephlin, Sarah Pelch, and Bryan Weingarten.
Absent: Kate Northfield Lanich
Staff: Mike Harrington (Executive Director), Alixandra Feeley (Business Manager), and
Lucy Berdiales (Administrative Specialist).
Guests: William Johnson (Aspen Public House)
Meeting Recorder:
Auto-transcription generated via Teams and Microsoft Copilot AI; summarized by Lucy Berdiales
and Alixandra Feeley.
Call to Order & Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order, with a motion seconded by Nina Gabianelli and
affirmed by Dr. Tom Kurt. November 2025 minutes, circulated in advance, were unanimously
approved as edited.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Executive Director Report – Mr. Harrington
Mr. Harrington provided a high-level update on current operations, noting that the organization is
entering a peak programming period. Staff recently gathered for a full-team seasonal meeting to
align expectations ahead of winter. Ticket sales remain strong across most events, and two
additional performances—The Band Perry and Trisha Yearwood—were added this week, with
Insider presales underway.
Planning for the Aspen Laugh Festival (March 11–15, 2026) is nearing completion. A recent
international artist cancellation due to visa issues required adjustments, but staff are finalizing
replacement bookings and anticipate announcing the full lineup before the holidays to capture
seasonal demand.
Winter programming continues to perform exceptionally well. Highlights include sold-out
performances for Aspen for the Holidays, Kate Hudson, Arrival From Sweden, and John Mulaney,
strong sales for Hank Azaria, and one near sell-out for the New Year’s Eve 5pm performance. Chloe
Flower (December 23) is pacing more gradually, with anticipated growth as the date approaches.
Educational outreach remains robust, with over 425 students expected for an upcoming
Changemaker school matinee featuring Ronan Donovan. Staff continue working with Aspen Country
Day School and Aspen Public Schools to align offerings with curriculum needs.
Mr. Harrington also shared staffing updates. Interim Marketing Director Robert Sweibel remains
onboard, while Marketing Manager Nicole Levesque has begun a phased return. Two approved
FY26 positions—the Education & Outreach Programs Coordinator (internal only) and the Operations
Manager (external)—have been posted. The Operations Manager role is designed to centralize
building operations, production coordination, and front-of-house logistics, reducing operational load
on senior leadership.
Financial & Capital Projects Update
The Board reviewed financial results through October 2025. Revenues continue to outpace
projections, and expenses are under budget due to the timing of prepaid programming costs that will
be realized later in the fiscal year. Staff also presented updates on capital projects, including the
theater sound system, production improvements, stage resurfacing, and office planning initiatives. In
alignment with City finance guidance, project budgets may be carried forward into 2026; staff
anticipate carrying forward production equipment budgets in full. No material budget concerns were
noted.
Mr. Harrington also reported on the Wheeler’s recent hosting of an Aspen Live industry reception,
welcoming agents, promoters, and artist managers. He and Board member Sarah Pelch served as
panelists during the conference. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the event generated
renewed industry interest in booking at The Wheeler. Staff expect to continue this partnership
annually.
Guest Presentation – Bill Johnson, Aspen Public House
Mr. Johnson delivered an update on Aspen Public House, reporting record sales in 2024 and
projected growth for 2025. He highlighted increased lunch and dinner traffic, strong staff retention,
and continued brand strength. He also described cost pressures related to labor and fluctuating food
prices, noting incremental pricing adjustments to preserve accessibility.
Mr. Johnson reviewed the structure of the restaurant’s breakpoint lease and explained how higher
sales levels trigger additional rent obligations. While revenues have increased, margins remain
narrow due to operating costs. Kitchen size constraints, refrigeration limitations, and broader
long-term infrastructure considerations were also discussed. Mr. Johnson reiterated his commitment
to maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship with the City and the Wheeler.
Board members engaged in discussion about trends in Aspen’s restaurant sector, including
consolidation, seasonal demand cycles, affordability challenges, and the economic benefits of
Wheeler programming for neighboring businesses. The Board expressed appreciation for Mr.
Johnson’s transparency and stewardship.
Board Member Comments
Board members acknowledged the depth and strength of the current programming slate, noting
positive community response and strong engagement with the Insider ticketing program. Members
also recognized the intensity of the winter season and commended staff for sustaining momentum
across programming, education, and outreach efforts.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Chair Chip Fuller, seconded by Ms. Nina Gabianelli, and
unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned.
Future Meetings Schedule
January 14, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.
February 11, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.
March 11, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.