(Photo by Brett Hufziger)
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County recently announced that John Richard, president and CEO of the center, will step down from his position at the end of 2018.
Under Richard’s decade of dedicated leadership, the Arsht Center sparked downtown Miami’s cultural transformation, while also earning national and local recognition for its innovative offerings and community-focused programs.
“It has been an honor to serve Miami for the past decade and to be embraced by a community that has generously supported and attended thousands of events at the Arsht Center,” Richard said. “The center is in a strong position today because of the incredible collaboration between our team of highly passionate professionals, the volunteer leaders on our boards and the visionary public officials who have worked to create a solid foundation — a center for the centuries.”
From the moment of his appointment, Richard shared Miami’s vision for the center to become a microcosm of South Florida’s diverse culture, placing special emphasis on the development of a world-class and community-focused cultural hub.
In the last decade, the Arsht Center has flourished, cementing its role as Miami’s new Town Square, a term first coined by Richard. Under Richard’s leadership, the center became a centerpiece of Miami’s cultural life, presenting a wide variety of performances by more than 20,000 best-in-class artists from around the globe.
“John has accomplished much during his time at the center and we are grateful that he has led the center to flourish as a cultural magnet,” said Ira D. Hall, chair of the Arsht Center’s board of directors. “John’s stable, financial management and commitment to providing access to the arts for everyone has helped us to accomplish our goals as an organization faster than many thought possible. His leadership capabilities will be missed by all of us at the Center.”
To continue to preserve Richard’s tireless work, Hall has selected a search committee that will represent the interests of both the Trust Board and the Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation Board.
The Arsht Center’s 12th Anniversary Gala: A Celebration of Leadership will honor Richard’s decade of service to the community and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Mar. 24, in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall.
“While we are sad to bid John Richard farewell, we are also incredibly grateful for how far we have come under his direction and guidance,” said Adrienne Arsht, founding chair of the Arsht Center Foundation and the gala’s honorary chair. “John’s commitment to the center and more importantly, his love for greater Miami, has been unwavering. We wish him the absolute best in the next stage of his life.”
Richard said plans to remain a Miami resident and will continue his active role in the arts community locally and beyond.
For more information about the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County visit www.arshtcenter.org.
