This story previously misidentified the person who invited Clark Vanderlinden to the board. It was John Wagner. The error has been corrected in this version.

LEAVENWORTH — On Monday, Clark Vanderlinden retired after 16 years as Leavenworth Summer Theater’s board president.

Vanderlinden led the theater through the early years of growth to a position of stability, through the establishment of the Hatchery Park stage, the creation of the Ski Hill Amphitheater and use of the Festhalle as an indoor theater. He will continue on the LST board as director emeritus.

“Clark has been our board president for 16 years — most of the life of the organization,” said John Wagner, LST founder and executive director. “In fact, Clark’s very first meeting was as the president! He was exclusively recruited for that purpose, upon recommendation of a prominent community member, based on his corporate background and negotiating skills.”

Wagner knocked on Vanderlinden's door, with no previous introduction, introduced himself and invited him to become board president. He looked surprised and said he had no background in the theater, he said.

“I said, ‘Perfect! We have plenty of people with background in the arts — we need someone with a business background who can run a board meeting,” Wagner said.

"I can do that!" Vanderlinden said.