Matt Hammond Named Executive Director of Paramount Arts Center, Ushering in a New Era of Leadership

VenuWorks is proud to announce the appointment of Matt Hammond as the new Executive Director for the historic Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky. This selection underscores our commitment to identifying and empowering industry-leading talent to guide our managed venues to success. In this case, we found the ideal candidate within the community, perfectly illustrating the "Acres of Diamonds" philosophy that exceptional value is often discovered in our own backyard.

As VenuWorks begins its management of the iconic downtown theater, our company is dedicated to preserving the Paramount’s rich legacy while introducing a new era of operational growth and efficiency. Hammond embodies the next generation of arts and venue leadership, bringing a combination of professional expertise and a lifelong personal connection to the theater.

A passionate advocate for arts education throughout the tri-state region, Hammond grew up in nearby Louisa, KY. His journey with the Paramount began at age fourteen when he first performed on its stage. Since then, he has appeared in over 80 performances, cementing a deep bond with the venue and the community it serves.

Hammond’s qualifications include:

A Bachelor of Music Education from Morehead State University.

A Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky, with an emphasis on managing theatrical organizations.

Previous held roles as Director of Choirs at Lawrence County High School and, most recently, Director of Education at the Paramount Arts Center from 2021-2025.

During his time as Education Director, Hammond’s leadership was instrumental in programs that engaged over 200,000 students through the Youth Education Series. His positive leadership style and dedication to community engagement have earned him widespread recognition, including two nominations for the Best Music Educator Grammy Award. He also serves as the Director of Choirs at Ashland First United Methodist Church and is an executive board member for the Kentucky Theatre Association.

"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.”

Steve Peters, CEO and Founder of VenuWorks, shared his enthusiasm for the appointment. “Matt Hammond truly represents the future of venue leadership. 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.”