Susan Stockton Elected to Lead International Performing Arts Organization

Susan Stockton, president of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center has been elected to serve as chair of the board of the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA). With members from more than 50 countries worldwide, ISPA is a nonprofit organization forming an international network of performing arts professionals with the shared goal of strengthening the arts internationally by building leadership ability, recognizing and discussing field-wide trends and deepening global exchange through the performing arts.

Stockton's appointment is a three-year term that began January 14, 2010. As board chair, she will guide the strategic development of the organization and lead the 25 person international board in the governance of ISPA. Stockton will work closely with the executive committee of the board and ISPA's chief executive officer, David Baile who commented, "If Susan's contribution to the organization to date is any indication, we can be assured of an exciting and successful period under her tenure as chair."

Stockton has been involved with ISPA since 1995, most recently completing a two-year term as chair-elect. Benson Puah, outgoing ISPA chairperson and CEO of Singapore's The Esplanade Company Ltd, feels Stockton's appointment is well deserved saying, "ISPA will be in a very safe pair of hands under Susan's leadership. She is rock-solid and will steer ISPA to new heights with her impressive organizational and leadership skills. I was very privileged to have had Susan by my side as her contributions have been invaluable."

Stockton has earned the admiration of her peers. Judy Lisi, president of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, is proud of the board's selection. "Susan's vision and organizational skills will benefit the growth and development of ISPA. I am particularly thrilled since I introduced her to this important organization." Former ISPA chair and Barbican's Artistic Director Graham Sheffield states, "I am delighted that Susan Stockton is taking on the role of ISPA chair at this point in the organization's history. Susan will bring a wealth of experience to this role, many qualities and skills in leadership, management, fund-raising and strategic thinking. She also brings a commitment to ISPA's role as an international and global network, as someone always keen to explore best arts practice and discover the arts across the world. ISPA will be in safe, but also exciting hands."

Stockton's appointment as ISPA's chairperson benefits the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center on multiple platforms. Mike Weller, CEO of Miller Electric and board chair of the Fox Cities P.A.C. described the opportunity by saying, "Susan's appointment as chair is a great honor, both for her professionally and for the Center as a member organization. It truly speaks to Susan's vision for the performing arts and her value as an arts leader. She's respected at national and international levels, and that connects our Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a local nonprofit organization, with performing arts from around the world. We're very lucky to have her."

Stockton has served as president of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center since September 2003. A state-of-the-art facility, the Center features a Broadway series, a performing arts cultural series and a daytime education series making the Center a valued partner in education. Stockton's responsibilities as president include oversight of programming, fund-raising, operations and personnel. She reports to the nonprofit organization's board of directors, many of whom played crucial roles in founding the organization in 2001.

Stockton has more than twenty-five years of experience in arts and cultural programming, higher education, student affairs and related areas. Prior to her current position, Stockton was the director of the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State and served as a consultant with national and international programs including projects with ISPA, the Broadway League and the Association of Performing Arts Presenters.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is an international network of 350 performing arts professionals from 50 countries who come together with the shared goal of strengthening the arts internationally by building leadership ability, recognizing and discussing field-wide trends and deepening global exchange through the arts. ISPA's programs include international congresses, fellowship programs, professional development workshops, resource sharing, and online exchange.
ABOUT THE FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. The Center proudly serves as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of the live performing arts. For more information on upcoming events, education programs and community involvement go to foxcitiespac.com. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Where the Arts Come Alive!

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.