October 2008. 
John Richard, a performing arts industry veteran who has been a driving force in the development and success of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for the past two decades, has been selected as the new president and chief executive officer of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.
The announcement was made by J. Ricky Arriola, chairman of the Performing Arts Center Trust Board of Directors. "Throughout his career, John has played a key role in a number of institutional success stories, and I have no doubt that he’ll be a great fit for the Adrienne Arsht Center and our community," said Mr. Arriola. "As we reflect on a year highlighted by strong fiscal performance and record-levels of attendance, it’s becoming clear that Miami is home to one of the nation’s most exciting performing arts centers. I’m confident that in John, we’ve chosen a leader who will help elevate the Adrienne Arsht Center to the next level, as one of the most prosperous and important centers in the world."
From the time NJPAC opened its doors in downtown Newark, New Jersey in 1997, Mr. Richard has helped the Center earn international recognition for its diversity in programming and community participation, a goal he hopes to pursue as president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. In his dual roles as the organization’s chief operating officer and executive vice president, he was responsible for overseeing several departments, including operations, fundraising, marketing, and public affairs. He also spearheaded a number of successful initiatives, including the organization’s initial $187 million capital campaign, recruitment of its board of directors, and its $100 million endowment campaign.
Additionally, he was instrumental in developing the nation’s fourth-largest arts education program, which offers in-school and on-site residencies, professional development and teacher training programs, and artist training in music, dance, theater, and poetry.
"After nineteen years at NJPAC, my decision to leave New Jersey was a difficult one, but I’m enthusiastic about taking on a new challenge at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Miami is the cultural crossroads for North America, South America, and the Caribbean, and I’m a big believer in the Center’s potential as a magnet for bringing people together. As we work to unite Miami’s diverse population through the performing arts, the Adrienne Arsht Center will continue to move toward its goal of becoming the premier performing arts center of the twenty-first century," said Mr. Richard.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
305.949.6722
www.arshtcenter.org
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