Joseph Ginnane’s decision to leave the mounting stresses of running the financially pressed Waco Performing Arts Co. would only seem to add insult to injury, considering the huge headaches already facing company board members. Ginnane reportedly leaves his post as executive director because of the tremendous pressure of the job on his health. Our best to him.

Considering he had only been in the top post about half a year, we assume the stress is immense. We can only imagine the rigors remaining for board members trying to split Ginnane’s duties while fulfilling other responsibilities — which are considerable. The group is struggling to address a budget shortfall in the tens of thousands of dollars.

WPAC board president Christy Rolf tells veteran Trib entertainment editor Carl Hoover that the Hippodrome is suffering from poor season-ticket sales and a slump in fall audiences, which only adds to other debts and expenses, despite a $310,0000 loan from Alliance Bank of Central Texas.

After figuring up all the expenses remaining for the Hippodrome’s 2009-2010 season last week, the Waco Performing Arts Co. board found itself on the hook for about $240,000, including maintenance costs and utilities that we’re told amount to about $15,000 a month. Ticket sales will cover some of the bill but not all.

Bleak though this all is, we hope the board can view this latest bit of bad news — Ginnane’s departure — as an opportunity. While board members say they have great respect for Ginnane’s work, it’s obvious that whoever takes over his job must be something of a superhero, skilled at rallying our community and appealing to donors far and wide in tough economic times — and all while showing a deft, knowing touch in programming exciting shows and compelling events.

In other words, the job will demand someone like former executive director Scott Baker, who managed the performing arts company through yet another one of its financial crises. We need someone who has plenty of stamina, drive and ideas, someone with a passion not only for the old theater in the heart of downtown Waco but the ingenuity for seeking out musical productions and theater troupes with a record for success in markets similar to Waco.

Of course, focus, drive and dedication are required qualities for the leadership position of any important nonprofit group. And they’re required not only for the next executive director of the Waco Performing Arts Co. but for volunteers and board members as well. Only through their joint, herculean efforts can the performing arts hope to entertain any possibility of a vibrant future in Waco.