One month after Production Resource Group purchased his company, Darren DeVerna, former president of Four Star Lighting, has joined PRG as vice president.
In his new role, DeVerna will be supported by the resources of Fourth Phase New Jersey, ProMix Electrotec Mt. Vernon and Scenic Technologies New York. In addition to the on-going support of several existing clients, he will concentrate on cultivating new relationships with clients that have not previously worked with PRG. He will be based out of PRG's Mount Vernon, NY, office and will report to Bill Groener, Northeast regional vice president.
DeVerna, formerly the president of Four Star Lighting, has been involved with countless theatrical productions such as Annie Get Your Gun, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, The Full Monty, Contact, Kiss Me Kate, Rent, and Music Man. Originally employed as an IATSE Local 1 stage hand, his efforts also include work with prominent charities, such as the Laurie Beechman Memorial Golf Outing, of which he is co-founder and co-chairman, and the Clearview School for Autistic Children.
"We've been trying to get Darren on board for a while and I am extremely excited that he is now a part of our team," says Jere Harris, chairman and CEO of Production Resource Group. "He and I maintain and promote very similar ideals of excellence in customer service and product quality. With my complete support, Darren will be the catalyst for fine-tuning."
"I am very excited about the great potential to build upon Fourth Phase's presence in the Theatrical market," says DeVerna. "By utilizing the existing strengths of all the PRG companies, we can only improve upon our process and its results."
Groener adds, "I have known Darren for many, many years and have tremendous respect for what he and his family achieved at Four Star. We are extremely fortunate to have him working with us in the vitally important NYC market."
As reported on the website last month, PRG, the collective of lighting, sound, and scenery companies, purchased the equipment of Four Star in July. The company had been owned for years by the DeVerna family until it was purchased by Matthews Studio Equipment in 1998. Matthews declared bankruptcy in April of last year, placing the future of Four Star in doubt. Click here for full story.