San Diego Theatres Names New President & CEO

Following the announcement last year of the retirement of CEO Donald Telford, San Diego Theatres (SDT) today announced the hiring of a new President and Chief Executive Officer. Telford is retiring after nearly 40 years with SDT, the organization that manages the Civic Theatre and the historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. In his role as CEO, Telford orchestrated the formation of SDT into an independent entity, ensuring that San Diego residents and visitors continue to have access to top-rate entertainment experiences.

San Diego Theatres announced that Elizabeth Doran will begin as the new President and Chief Executive Officer on May 1, 2015. Doran currently serves as Executive Director of The Pasadena Playhouse. Doran was selected following a nationwide search that included 150 potential candidates and a multi-part interview process. She has 20 years of executive experience in the arts and has first-hand experience with San Diego's vibrant arts culture, having previously worked at the La Jolla Playhouse.

"We are thrilled to have Elizabeth join San Diego Theatres. Her passion for the arts is palpable, and her strong executive experience will lead us into the next phase of what promises to be a thriving future for the arts in San Diego," said Faye Wilson, Chair of the San Diego Theatres Board of Directors. "We are pleased to have found a unique, qualified, dynamic and visionary person to lead our organization."

San Diego Theatres honors contributions of retiring executive

Doran's hiring signifies a passing of the torch for SDT, which has thrived under the leadership of Telford. Telford has committed himself to advancing entertainment, tourism and community service in San Diego for nearly 40 years, working in various roles for the San Diego Concourse, City of San Diego and San Diego Convention Center Corporation, and under his leadership the Balboa Theatre came under the control of SDT, following its historic restoration by the City of San Diego's Redevelopment Agency.

"We are grateful for the years of dedicated service Don provided to our organization and to the arts in San Diego," said Wilson. "He has set very high standards for our organization, and we look forward to carrying his legacy forward. Thanks to his hard work and commitment, we are well positioned to embark with firm footing on this new stage."

Telford will remain with SDT until June 30 to ensure a smooth transition. "San Diego Theatres has been my home for almost 40 years, as it has been my privilege to be a steward of these treasured performing arts venues for the benefit of the community," said Telford. "Although I am eager to begin my next act, I will miss the SDT family. Elizabeth brings the enthusiasm, talent and expertise to serve the organization and community well as it moves into this new phase."

San Diego Theatres to undertake new community initiatives

Doran's focus on community and audience engagement, including her work to identify and raise funds for diversity-based initiatives, was of particular interest to San Diego Theatres, which was seeking a transformative leader who could advance the organization's mission to foster collaboration in the arts community while furthering its vision to position San Diego as a world-class performing arts destination.

"Elizabeth's commitment to social service through the arts aligns seamlessly with our vision for the future of the organization. We are proud of the performances staged in our venues and the quality of the productions we provide for San Diego residents and visitors. It is imperative that the arts are accessible to everyone we serve," continued Wilson. "Elizabeth's drive to create a strong synergy between San Diego Theatres and other community-based organizations will help cultivate the development of new talent and increased interest in the arts among our youth."

Over the next few months, Doran will begin her transition and planning, and an important part of her work will be meeting with community leaders and stakeholders to identify the best approach for increasing engagement with local diversity, youth, education and arts organizations.

"I am honored to have been selected as the new CEO of San Diego Theatres," said Doran. "San Diego is known for pushing past geographic, scientific, demographic and cultural borders. In the heart of the City, San Diego Theatres is uniquely positioned to entertain, to reflect the vibrant community and, importantly, to help transcend its next frontiers."

San Diego Theatres to increase profile in downtown economic development efforts

In addition to strengthening community ties, Doran will work to increase San Diego Theatres' involvement in downtown economic development programs, which will also serve as a key driver for future audience growth. Her work throughout her career as an arts leader has included involvement in urban redevelopment, a unique combination of experiences that further differentiated Doran and solidified her as the right choice for San Diego Theatres.

To convey the importance of San Diego Theatres' integration in the downtown community, Downtown San Diego Partnership President and CEO Kris Michell was involved in later rounds of the interview process.

"I was pleased to be consulted in the selection of the new CEO for San Diego Theatres," said Michell. "The organization is an integral part of downtown, with venues located in the very heart of the community. As downtown continues to grow and increase its already strong position as a premiere location for residents and tourists, I believe Elizabeth will be an effective advocate for our community and set a clear course for the growth of San Diego Theatres."

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