Kristi Newton Joins the Granada Theatre as Director of Development

The Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts Board of Directors today announced that, after an extensive search and recruitment process, Kristi Newton has agreed to join the Granada Theatre staff as Director of Development effective June 1st.

"We are very excited to have a professional of Kristi's caliber join the Granada Theatre team" said Sarah Schlinger Chrisman, President of the Board of Directors, "She brings a wealth of professional experience and extensive knowledge of our Santa Barbara community to her role at this important time in the Granada Theatre's history."

Ms. Newton will lead all elements of fundraising for the Granada Theatre and will work to actively foster increased philanthropic support for the Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara's premiere performing arts venue. Newton will serve as the venue's chief relationship manager and liaison to the community. In that role she will focus on building new relationships, as well as the stewardship of existing supporters, through activities such as SBCPA Annual Fund, The Alhambra Society planned giving program and The Fund for the Future major gifts initiative.

"Kristi is an exceptionally talented and experienced leader who is deeply committed to realizing our vision for the Granada Theatre and helping our organization to fulfill its goal of enriching the community" said Craig Springer, the Granada Theatre's Executive Director.

Kristi Newton comes to the Granada Theatre from Caltech, where she has been serving as Assistant Vice President of Development for the last year and a half. Prior to her time at Caltech she was the long-time Assistant Dean of Development for the College of Engineering and the Division of Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at UC Santa Barbara. Before her tenure at UCSB, Newton was a development professional at the American Heart Association and at Santa Barbara County's United Way.

"This position," says Ms. Newton, "represents a unique and timely opportunity for me. I look forward to actively partnering with the outstanding community leaders on the Granada Theater board, many of whom I have worked with previously, as well as with the broader community of Granada Theatre patrons and supporters. I am eager to help ensure the long-term excellence of this important community asset; one that will inspire current and future generations of residents and visitors for many lifetimes to come."

Kristi Newton is a third generation Santa Barbara native and a graduate of UC Santa Barbara.