Eric Olmscheid, the director of programming at Des Moines Performing Arts, will be leaving that role to serve as executive director at Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Olscheid is scheduled to begin his new position on June 22. A story posted on the Michigan State University website said Olmscheid has nearly 20 years as a performing arts administrator. “Mr. Olmscheid brings with him a network of connections in the performing arts that will continue to advance Wharton Center as a leader in mid-Michigan and across the U.S. and world,” said MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff. “I look forward to the diverse range of arts and educational programming and partnerships that will be adjoined under his leadership.” Olmscheid said he believes in the “transformational impact of the arts and their ability to reflect our shared human experiences.” Olmscheid will become the fourth executive director, following the retirement of current executive director Mike Brand. Before joining Des Moines Performing Arts, Olmscheid spent four years at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minn. Photo courtesy Michigan State University