Bruce A. Bierhans has been named the new president and CEO of the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT) and co-chair of its board of directors. He was recruited to help guide the former seasonal theater company as it evolves into a year-round performing arts center.

Bierhans, who has law offices in Hyannis and Wellfleet, is President and Chairman of Outer Cape Health Services and serves on the board of Preservation Hall, Inc. He formerly served as board president for the Payomet Center for the Performing Arts. He is also Wellflee'st town moderator.

"I am very honored to lead WHAT's board at this very exciting time." said Bierhans. "Not only must we nourish its quarter-century, iconic status as an innovative theater, but we must expand WHAT's year-round offerings to represent the diverse tastes of our many audiences," he said.

The company's expansion is being driven by the $6-million, year-round Julie Harris Stage, which opened five years ago to complement the smaller and seasonal Harbor Stage. In addition to theatrical productions, WHAT offers simulcasts of the Metropolitan Opera and London's National Theater, the Cape Cod Symphony Sounds, and Cinema WHAT.