Longtime director of Moxie Cinema to step down

The longtime director of downtown’s Moxie Cinema is stepping down from the nonprofit organization.

Mike Stevens expects to exit the role this spring amid a search for a new leader of for the 305 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. 101, movie theater known for showing independent films, according to a news release.

“It has been the best job in the world, but I am ready for a new challenge,” Stevens said in the release. “I will be around to make sure the transition goes smoothly, but I am very excited to see what a new leader will have in store for my favorite movie theater in the world.”

The Moxie volunteer board is accepting applications for the role.

“We’re looking for an energetic, adaptable movie lover to take the Moxie into the future,” said Stephanie Stenger, board president, in the release.

Stevens has led the Moxie since 2010, when the newly formed nonprofit that now operates the theater, Downtown Springfield Community Cinema, purchased it from founders Dan and Nicole Chilton. The theater has been in business downtown since 2004.

“It’s hard for me to think of the Moxie without thinking of ‘Moxie Mike,’ but I am excited for him,” Stenger said in the release. “As a movie lover, I am thankful for the 14 years he made sure great films kept coming to Springfield. As board president, I am very thankful he helped build a robust membership program that has allowed us to expand our ambitions even as the movie theater business at large is struggling.”