News Release: Carolyn Jackson Named Next General Manager of Lesher Center for the Arts

NEWS RELEASE

Carolyn Jackson Named Next General Manager of Lesher Center for the Arts

Experienced arts administrator served as interim leader since January 2022

 

October 11, 2022:  The City of Walnut Creek today announced that Carolyn Jackson will serve as the next General Manager of the Lesher Center for the Arts, overseeing the regional destination for performing and visual arts. The appointment comes following the retirement of founding General Manager Scott Denison in January 2022 and Jackson’s role as Interim General Manager for the past nine months. As General Manager, Jackson will have leadership over all resident programming at the Lesher Center, including the presentation series, Center Repertory Company, Bedford Gallery, venue rentals, and educational programs.

Jackson brings a variety of experience in arts administration and local government to the role. A Bay Area native who trained in dance, she has a passion for the arts and an understanding of the producer’s experience from having served as Assistant Director for modern dance company DancEthos based in Washington, DC.

As the former Communications Director for non-profit theater Dance Place, her responsibilities included serving on the curatorial team for the annual performance season, as well as creating and enacting comprehensive programmatic and institutional marketing plans for programs in the theater, school, and community. Jackson holds a B.A. in Dance and Economics from George Washington University and an M.A. in Arts Administration from American University. She has served as the City of Walnut Creek’s Community Relations Manager for the Arts + Recreation Department since 2015, building strong relationships with arts leaders throughout the community.

Since January, Jackson has led the implementation of strategic priorities at the Lesher Center designed to evolve the program to a nationally recognized, leading mid-sized presenter of great art and artists and the home of a dynamic education program. As a member of the working group that developed the strategic plan with Michael Kaiser of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management, Jackson is intimately familiar with the goals and implementation strategy for the plan.

“Carolyn’s education and experience made her the ideal candidate for this position,” said City Manager Dan Buckshi. “She is uniquely suited to carry our arts programming into the future, and to guide our team working at the Lesher Center.”

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Lesher Center,” said Carolyn Jackson. “I’m honored to be leading the Center as we build upon a legacy of excellence by developing and presenting arts programming that expands who feels at home at the Lesher Center. I look forward to continuing to build positive relationships with our diverse community of artists, producers, patrons, and supporters.”

Peggy White, Executive Director of the Diablo Regional Arts Association, is looking forward working with Jackson. “Carolyn Jackson’s appointment as General Manager of the Lesher Center for the Arts is fantastic,” White said. “She’s a champion of collaboration and a partner in presenting innovative arts programs at the Center.”

Following the Lesher Center’s strategic plan, in the coming years Jackson will continue to contribute to the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts and will institute a variety of new programs and initiatives, including strengthening the existing slate of education programs, launching the Lesher Center in Your Neighborhood series which will bring programming to individual neighborhoods, and establishing a robust marketing strategy. More immediately, Jackson will chair the search committee for an Artistic Director for Center Repertory Company who will join Jackson, DRAA Executive Director Peggy White, and Bedford Gallery Curator Emilee Enders in leading the artistic planning for the Lesher Center and its programs.

Jackson can be reached at 925-295-1400, or jackson@lesherartscenter.org.

 

ABOUT THE LESHER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Lesher Center for the Arts, located in Walnut Creek, CA, is the premier destination in Contra Costa County for an exceptional arts and entertainment experience. Our mission is to drive excellence, innovation, and diversity in the arts through performances, exhibitions and educational programming that establish the Lesher Center as the artistic destination for everyone in Walnut Creek and the region.

First opened in October 1990, the Lesher Center is home to Bedford Gallery, Center Repertory Company, and upwards of ninety event producers who rent the space each year. Together, these programs present more than 800 productions and events a year, including a curated selection of visual art exhibitions, which collectively attract more than 350,000 patrons. The Center is owned and operated by the City of Walnut Creek. 

Learn more at LesherArtsCenter.org