CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A leadership change has come to the historic Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall.

Dr. Shawn Puller is the new Director of Development at the theater.

According to a release, he comes in after serving as the executive director of the Garth Newel Music Center in Bath County for nearly a decade.

“Shawn brings a dynamic combination of personal and professional experience that is perfectly suited to the Paramount and we couldn’t be happier that he is joining our staff,” said Julie Montross, Executive Director of the Paramount Theater. “His accomplishments at Garth Newel are notable and his dedication to nonprofit work, specifically how the performing arts nourish and benefit communities, will certainly set him up for success here. I am excited to see how he will help the theater continue to grow and prosper in the years ahead.”

While at the Garth Newel Music Center, Puller oversaw several large building projects, a $10 million comprehensive capital campaign, a tripling of the center’s endowment, and laying the groundwork for its sustainable future.

He also has experience from time spent at Albany State University, Ithaca College, and State University of New York: Cortland.

Puller was also an assistant director at the Heifetz International Summer Music Institute for several years.

"I am thrilled to be part of The Paramount Theater family and a member of the Charlottesville community," said Puller. "The mission of The Paramount Theater speaks directly to my own core beliefs. Having come from a small, rural community, I can attest to the transformative power of the arts and live performance experiences. My life has been changed for the good due to the opportunities I was given in the arts. I cannot wait to sink down roots in this amazing community and contribute to the mission of the Paramount. There is so much good that we will do together to benefit our community."