The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) has appointed Eric Frances, CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, to its Board of Directors. Frances brings a distinguished record of financial leadership and cultural stewardship to the board, further strengthening HVEDC’s mission of advancing economic growth across the seven-county Hudson Valley region.
“Eric is a proven leader whose financial expertise and deep commitment to the Hudson Valley make him a tremendous addition to our Board,” said Mike Oates, president and CEO of HVEDC. “His leadership at one of the region’s most iconic cultural institutions, combined with his work championing tourism in the Hudson Valley, will help us continue to attract investment, support business growth and elevate the Hudson Valley as a destination for industry and innovation.”
Frances is CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a performing arts center and museum located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival. Before being named CEO in January 2020, Frances served as the chief financial officer and general manager and was responsible for all the organization’s operations, logistics and finances.
Prior to Bethel Woods, Frances was the director of financial reporting for Mediacom Communications Corp., the eighth largest cable television operator in the U.S., and the operational controller for Sybari Software, a division of Microsoft. After graduating from Babson College, Frances was a senior auditor for PwC within the Technology Information Communication and Entertainment practice. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and the chair of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, is committed to building upon its rich history of peace and music by providing extraordinary experiences and access to the arts. With the belief that the world can be made better through the power of music and the arts, Bethel Woods, now in its 20th year, makes music, visual, performing and creative arts programming available and accessible to the community, helping people of all ages discover and tap into their creative potential.
Located 90 miles north of New York City in Bethel, New York, the 1,000-acre campus includes the Pavilion Stage amphitheater with seating for 16,000, an intimate 422-seat indoor event gallery, a 528-site campground, and a conservatory and studios for arts education programming. The award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods carries on the history, spirit and learnings of the 1960s and the Woodstock Music & Art Fair through the preservation and interpretation of the historic site. Bethel Woods is a not-for-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations.
