Lora Unger, the veteran CEO of the Pasadena Symphony & Pops, has announced her resignation from the organization in order to become the executive director of Performing Arts Center Eastside in Bellevue, Washington. She assumes her new role on May 1. “We are thrilled to welcome Lora to PACE as our new executive director,” said PACE Board Chair Eric Stelter in a statement. “We were all impressed by Lora’s unique combination of high-level executive, artistic and fundraising experience with her entrepreneurial approach as a performing arts programmer and community builder. Her innovative spirit, strategic focus and commitment to Bellevue will prove invaluable as we join with the community in building a new cultural center that will profoundly contribute to the future of Bellevue and the entire Eastside.” Unger, who had served as the Pasadena Symphony Association’s CEO since 2014, “Built the PSA into one of the most artistically successful and institutionally relevant cultural organizations in Southern California, reaching audiences of over 50,000 annually,” the PACE statement said. “Under her leadership, PSA experienced exponential growth and increased relevance through its acclaimed artistic and educational programming, strategic initiatives and fundraising campaigns. Unger established popular performance residencies in four prominent Southern California venues and led the design and construction of a dynamic 5,000-seat outdoor performance venue at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. “She also re-established Pasadena’s historic Ambassador Auditorium as a thriving and acoustically notable home where expanded audiences enthusiastically responded to PSA performances.” “I have had the pleasure of working with Lora for the last decade in building a strong, resilient and successful Pasadena Symphony Association,” said Robert Michero, PCA’s president. “During this time, and because of Lora’s wonderful dedication, creativity and hard work, our organization has been able to overcome the challenges that faced us. “Although we are sorry to see Lora leave us, we are happy for her and wish her only the best in her new professional position as the executive director of PACE.” As an arts leader, Unger has been recognized for her passion for providing young people with access to music education and innovative arts experiences, building community partnerships and ensuring that the performing arts are accessible to all. “I am thrilled to be joining PACE as its new executive director,” Unger said of her appointment. “I felt an immediate connection to the mission of PACE, to the members of the board and to the spirit of Bellevue. I see enormous opportunities for PACE as a world class performing arts center in the heart of Bellevue. The Center will shape the future of the Eastside through its cultural, educational and community engagement programs. “I’m confident in the role it will play as a catalyst for economic growth and connecting communities. The board has done truly significant work over the past two years to prepare the organization to play these important new roles for the Eastside’s many communities. The time has arrived to bring this dream of a performing arts center to Bellevue. I’m honored and delighted to be joining PACE at this watershed moment in its history and to make Bellevue my new home,” she added. “We are very proud of Lora as she takes on this new role. She deserves great credit for the Pasadena Symphony and POPS’ success over her 14-year tenure. … Her knowledge and leadership have guided the Pasadena Symphony & POPS through a period of expansive artistic and institutional growth, with the orchestra performing to audiences of over 50,000 each year, and the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras serving more than 800 students,” PSA said wrote in a statement.
“We will cherish our time working with Lora, and we wish her continued success. The board of directors is working on a transition plan that will be announced shortly. On behalf of the Pasadena Symphony Association Board, staff and musicians, we offer Lora our warmest congratulations.”
First published in the Apr. 20 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
