SARATOGA SPRINGS >> After 17 years at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Richard Geary retired Friday. He leaves a legacy of innovation and accomplishment, according to a SPAC press release.<br /><br />“Key achievements of Rick’s tenure include his role in spearheading SPAC’s transition to an in-house ticketing system, oversight of more than $5.5 million in capital improvements to the amphitheater and grounds, the positive restructuring of SPAC’s Live Nation contract and nine consecutive break-even budget years,” wrote Marcia White, SPAC’s president and executive director. “These and all his many accomplishments helped lay the foundation for SPAC’s progress and success.”<br /><br />Geary, who hails from Delmar and is a Siena College graduate, said he grew up at SPAC. His first concert there as an eighth-grader was the Lovin’ Spoonful, the group that sang, “Do You Believe in Magic?” Later, he saw Elton John when the singer was young and nimble enough to dance on a piano.<br /><br />“I was also at The Who concert in 1971 with 30,000 other people,” Geary said.<br /><br />After college, he had a successful career in the private sector that included financial and management positions with several family-owned businesses. In 1997, when the opportunity came up to apply for the SPAC comptroller position, he considered it a dream come true.<br /><br />“I would work at the jewel of the Capital Region,” he said.<br /><br />In 2005, SPAC’s board appointed Geary to the position of CFO and COO, a role that encompassed oversight of SPAC’s finance department as well as its internal operations, including the box office, amphitheater, security, parking and gates. At the peak of the season, he was responsible for a staff of more than 450.<br /><br />“I moved from solely financial to operational management as well,” he said. “I got involved in all aspects of SPAC.”<br /><br />In conjunction with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Geary provided key oversight of more than $5.5 million in major capital improvements to SPAC’s amphitheatre and facilities over the last several years, including 2007’s refurbishment of the amphitheatre interior and the installation of a new amphitheatre façade in 2012.<br /><br />SPAC is an entertainment facility, but also a 501(c) charity, Geary said. That presented dual challenges.<br /><br />“Also, we have such a diverse program, from opera to rock ’n’ roll,” he said. “It’s almost many different businesses.”<br /><br />SPAC has always operated under challenging financial circumstances. Tickets to classical performances cost SPAC twice as much as their sale cost. The audience loves the performances but isn’t willing to pay more, and only 2,500 of the 5,000 seats are filled during those events.<br /><br />“We have to raise the difference,” Geary said. “We’ve done polls and surveys. The general economic situation is challenging these days. And people are busier. We have to compete with their other activities.”<br /><br />Fundraising events such as the Wine and Food Festival, and the Ballet Gala help SPAC gain the needed monies. Everything has to be in motion to offset the shortfall, he said.<br /><br />Among Geary’s many noteworthy accomplishments during his tenure at SPAC was his role in leading the transition to a proprietary in-house ticketing system in 2010. This move established a new revenue stream for SPAC and greatly improved the efficiency of its ticketing operations. Although the initial investment in the system was projected to be repaid in five years, greater-than-expected efficiencies reduced the repayment time to just over two years.<br /><br />“Instituting the in-house ticketing system was tremendously successful,” he said.<br /><br />White calls his service to the organization distinguished.<br /><br />“Rick’s exemplary leadership and financial expertise have helped steer SPAC forward during a period of tremendous change for the performing arts center, and for the arts and entertainment industry as a whole,” she said. “A hands-on, results-driven leader in the very best sense, Rick managed all facets of SPAC’s internal operations with incredible energy, decisiveness and integrity.”<br /><br />The former CFO/COO says his passion for SPAC has been the key element of his time at the performing arts center. He also prides himself on being honest and respectful with everyone.<br /><br />He’s now heading for warmer climes: Bluffton, S.C.<br /><br />“This is a carefully thought-out process,” he said. “I’m heading to South Carolina the day of my retirement. I’m going to relax and take the summer off. It will be my first summer off in 17 years.”<br /><br />Reflecting on his tenure, board Chairman Susan Read commented, “Rick Geary’s extraordinary commitment and sound financial stewardship have helped SPAC stay strong and move forward, even during the economic challenges of recent years. Our entire board is tremendously grateful for his service, which will have a lasting impact on SPAC and all those it serves.”