In a surprise announcement, Mark Weinstein has resigned as CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center — after less than a year in charge. Weinstein replaced Mark Nerenhausen who himself resigned after less than two years in the post. Weinstein gives family issues as prompting his resignation. Chief operating officer Doug Curtis has been appointed acting president and CEO.

Ironically, Weinstein spoke to Art&Seek two months ago about the industry-wide difficulty in attracting and keeping high-quality arts managers. The board has not instituted a replacement search at the moment.

The full release:

AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER NAMES DOUG CURTIS ACTING CEO

Former CEO Mark Weinstein Steps Down To Focus On Family

(March 28, 2012 – DALLAS) Today the AT&T Performing Arts Center announced that Mark Weinstein has stepped down from his position as President and CEO. Weinstein said that family issues prompted his resignation.

“While this is disappointing, we certainly want to wish Mark and his family all the best in the future,” said D. Roger Nanney, Chair of the Center’s Board of Directors.

“Given the opportunities ahead for the Center, it is critical to have leadership that is focused 100% on the organization’s interests and priorities,” said Weinstein. “I felt it was in the best interest of the Center to step aside.”

Chief Operating Officer Doug Curtis has resumed the responsibilities of Acting President and CEO, a position he filled before from 2010-2011. Curtis also guided the Center’s design, construction, completion, opening and the first 2 ••• years of facility operations.

“Doug provides a steady and stable hand and has the full confidence of the Board of Directors,” said Nanney. “We have great people in place and no plans to begin an immediate search.”

Nanney reports that the Center, a not-for-profit foundation, is in better shape than ever before:

 In addition to Curtis, the Center now has experienced leadership on every front, including fundraising, programming, marketing, operations and finance.

 The Center has a dedicated Board of Directors. Many have been here since the creation of the Center and are committed to seeing the Capital Campaign through to completion. Board giving to the Annual Fund is on course to triple this fiscal year.

 Center operations and revenues continue to improve. We are confident in the Center’s ability to achieve its financial objectives which includes operating at break even. Several new sponsorships will soon be announced.

 Annual giving is climbing. Individual memberships are on track to triple this fiscal year. The Annual Fund is on track to double to $1.6 million. It has already topped $1 million for the first time, including a challenge gift from actor Alec Baldwin.

 The final phase of the Center’s Capital Campaign, though still in its quiet phase has already achieved significant results.

 The Lexus Broadway Series just hit 8,600 subscriptions. Les Miserables set new Dallas and national touring box office records, Jersey Boys is coming this summer, and just last week the Center announced the 2012-2013 season with seven shows, including War Horse and Chicago.

 With a new head of programming, Marc Engel, the quality of performers continues to improve (Bill Cosby, Kristin Chenoweth, Lily Tomlin, Pink Martini and Gipsy Kings to name just a few.)

 The Center continues to have strong relationships with its five resident companies, who are doing some of their most critically acclaimed work at the Center’s venues which has led to robust ticket sales and a dramatic increase in attendance. The Center also continues a strong presenting partnership with TITAS bringing an eclectic mix of music and dance.

“Our staff, leadership, Board and donors are all fortunate to be stewards of one of the finest performing arts centers in the world,” said Nanney. “With all of us working together, the Center will continue with its mission – being a community gathering place and cultural centerpiece for Dallas.”

About the AT&T Performing Arts Center

The AT&T Performing Arts Center, a new multi-venue Center for music, opera, theatre and dance opened in October 2009, completing the 30-year vision of the Dallas Arts District. Located at 2403 Flora Street, the Center serves as a gateway from downtown Dallas’s business center to the Dallas Arts District. Featuring multiple state-of-the-art facilities that are woven together by a ten-acre urban park, which creates a dynamic cultural destination that is unparalleled in the world, the Center includes:

 The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, designed by Foster + Partners in a modern horseshoe configuration, seats 2,200.

 The Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre designed by REX/OMA, Joshua Prince-Ramus (partner in charge) and Rem Koolhaas, seats up to 575 and uses a superfly system to rapidly change the performance hall’s configuration to proscenium, thrust or flat floor, depending on the nature of the performance.

 The Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park, designed by Michel Desvigne, is a lush urban park that unifies the Center’s venues with the Arts District and surrounding neighborhoods of Dallas.

 The completely new Annette Strauss Square, designed by Foster + Partners, is the Center’s outdoor entertainment venue.

 Two underground parking areas accommodate more than 850 vehicles.

 The Center’s Resident Companies are: The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Texas Ballet Theater and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico.