LEWISTON — The Franco Center announced the hiring of Todd M. Richard to their staff. Richard will serve as marketing manager and box office coordinator for the 10-year-old arts and culture nonprofit organization. He will be supervising the creation and proliferation of new media portals and content, as well as energizing publicity and media relations.

Richard is a marketing and communication professional, residing in Maine for 11 years. In this time, he has operated his own marketing firm, Rocket Resources, as well as served on several boards and committees supporting the arts and entertainment, including Maine Jazz Festival, Maine Academy of Modern Music, Portland Music Foundation, Portland Arts and Cultural Association Marketing Committee and others.

Prior to joining the Franco Center, Richard worked as a publicist and media consultant to the late and legendary Gene McDaniels, musical artist and songwriter. Additionally, he is an active musician and producer, well known for his drumming work with local heroes the Don Campbell Band, as well as his work as DJ and producer Todd the Rocket.

Richard said, “I am more than thrilled to be joining the team at the Franco Center. The staff’s dedication to excellence in cultural heritage and performing arts is exceptional. I am inspired and looking forward to engaging with the residents of Lewiston/Auburn in new and exciting ways.”

The Franco Center (Le Centre d’Heritage Franco-Americain) is a performing arts organization that celebrates this region’s Franco-American Heritage. The center strives to welcome new visitors and area residents to the facility by presenting the best in symphonic music, solo instrumentalists, chorales and choirs and contemporary music. The center is in the former St. Mary’s Cathedral.