Michelle Witt to take helm of UW World Series and Meany Hall

California arts administrator Michelle Witt has been tapped to fill the shoes of outgoing UW World Series director Matthew Krashan — and then some. In a newly created role, she will oversee the international music and dance series and also serve as executive director of Meany Hall.

"Michelle Witt is known across the country for her innovative artistic vision and for the collaborative spirit she brings to her role as a performing arts presenter," said Bob Stacey, divisional dean of Arts and Humanities and leader of the search committee for the position. "She will work to bring a higher profile and a more integrated vision to the entire performing arts program at the University of Washington."

Witt, who currently resides in Santa Cruz, has held leadership positions at Stanford University Lively Arts, the University of California, and Santa Cruz Arts & Lectures. Most recently, she served as executive director of San Francisco-based dance company Robert Moses' Kin. She plans to move to Seattle with her husband and daughter in August.

Krashan, founder of the UW World Series, is retiring in September. For more about him and the growth of the series, go to www.seattletimes.com and search Krashan Farewell.