CLEAR LAKE, Iowa &8212; The North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum Board of Directors announced that Laurie Lietz has been hired to serve as the newly formed non-profit organization&8217;s executive director. Along with the board of directors, Lietz will be responsible for overseeing the Surf Ballroom&8217;s operations and finances, the development and implementation of a facility maintenance plan, facility tours and volunteer scheduling for the Surf Ballroom, as well as developing and managing all aspects of the concert venue&8217;s marketing program.

&8220;We were very excited to be able to choose such a quality applicant for this position. Laurie has all the qualities we were looking for in an Executive Director. Her leadership will be very important to the future of the Surf,&8221; commented Jeff Nicholas, Board Member of the North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum.

Having served as the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce&8217;s Director of Tourism for nearly 10 years, she brings to the Surf Ballroom a background in marketing, public relations, volunteer recruitment and experience in working with event coordination and planning. Prior to her tenure at the Chamber, she managed the Heartland Inn in Clear Lake. She and her husband, Mike, reside in the Forest City area.

&8220;I am both excited and honored to be chosen to serve in this capacity. It is time for the Surf Ballroom to be an integral part of the community and for the community to be an integral part of the Surf&8221;, explained Lietz, adding, &8220;I think that the Surf Ballroom&8217;s future looks very, very bright. This Rock &8216;n Roll treasure is at a pivotal point in its history with many new opportunities as a non-profit organization.&8221; Lietz will begin her duties on Feb. 18.

The Surf Ballroom is open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several shows are already scheduled with tickets available to purchase by calling (641)357-6151 or on-line at www.surfballroom.com.