VenuWorks, the new management company for the historic Paramount Arts Center, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Hammond as the venue’s new Executive Director. This selection highlights VenuWorks’ commitment to identifying and empowering the best talent in the industry to drive venue success. In this instance, the perfect candidate was found right here in the community, reflecting the “Acres of Diamonds” philosophy that exceptional value often lies in one’s own backyard.
As VenuWorks takes the helm of the iconic downtown theater, the company remains dedicated to preserving the Paramount’s legacy while ushering in a new era of efficiency and growth. Hammond brings both professional experience and a lifelong personal connection to the venue, marking him as a standout representative of the next generation of arts and venue leadership.
A tireless advocate for arts education in the tri-state region, Hammond grew up in Louisa, KY, and first stepped onto the Paramount stage at age fourteen. He has since performed more than 80 times at the theater—an experience that solidified his bond with the venue and the community it serves.
Hammond holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Morehead State University and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration with an emphasis on managing theatrical organizations from the University of Kentucky. His professional background includes serving as Director of Choirs at Lawrence County High School from 2018 to 2021 and as Director of Education at the Paramount Arts Center from 2021 to 2025. During his tenure as Education Director, he oversaw programs that brought over 200,000 students to the Youth Education Series shows.
His leadership style, community engagement and positive attitude have earned him wide recognition, including two nominations for the Best Music Educator Grammy Award. Beyond his work at the Paramount, Hammond serves as the Director of Choirs at Ashland First United Methodist Church and is an executive board member for the Kentucky Theatre Association, where he conducts workshops to foster creativity across the Commonwealth. “I could not be more humbled and excited to be leading The Paramount Theatre into the future,” said Hammond. “This venue shaped my life, and I am honored to help steward it for the next generation.”
“Matt Hammond truly represents the future of venue leadership” said Steve Peters, CEO and Founder of VenuWorks. “His passion for the arts, deep ties to the community, and impressive track record make him the ideal choice for this pivotal role. We are excited to see the energy and vision Matt brings to the Paramount, and he has the full support and confidence of the entire VenuWorks team as he leads this iconic venue forward.”
