Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
June 7 – 20, 2014
59
CCA manager retiring after 26 years at the arts facility BY TRACY HOUSE
Katrina Pappas started her career with the Chandler Center for the Arts in May 1988 as an intern. At the end of June she will retire from her 26-year career as the general manager of the endearing facility. Pappas explains that when she started, the center was still under construction. Her role was to create volunteer committees, assist in the establishment of the nonprofit arm, the Chandler Cultural Foundation, and to prepare for the grand opening. In the spring of 1989 she was promoted to patron services coordinator and through the natural progression of positions moved on to general manager in 1998. Pappas had just relocated to Phoenix after earning her bachelor’s degree in art management when she began at CCA. Starting at the ground floor, Pappas has been part of the many changes that have taken place at the center. “The progression that I’ve seen here at the center...just seeing the population evolve,” she explains. “There’s been tremendous growth in our programming. It’s taken on a broader range of services. In addition to performing arts, we also do youth development initiatives...supporting the
next generation.” Pappas says she has seen a great loyalty by the community to the center over the years. “We have a number of people who return every year and buy tickets to the performances. We’ve gotten so many great suggestions from the community and some wonderful feedback about how shows have impacted them. An example is the Zoppe Italian Circus.” The popular show has generated feedback that touches all generations. “I think that’s a memorable highlight— how we’ve impacted families. It’s a great source of pride for Chandler.” Pappas explains that because CCA is a multipurpose facility jointly owned by the City and Chandler Unified School District, it has been able to pass savings on to the arts consumer. Her last few weeks at the center will focus on transitioning out of her role and working with Michelle Mac Lennan, who will rise in the ranks from assistant manager to general manager. While the center will be feting its 25th anniversary in August, Pappas will be celebrating as well. “I’m moving on to a new chapter of my life,” she says, “looking at finding a role that utilizes a different part of the brain.” She’s planning on taking classes and ultimately looking at other job
NEW CHAPTER: Katrina Pappas, 50, is starting a new chapter in her life, retiring as general manager from the Chandler Center for the Arts after 26 years of service. Submitted photo
opportunities. “It’s a flexible plan. I’m open to anything at this point. I think the main thing is to seize the opportunity to further advance my skills.” Pappas plans on traveling with her husband, Jeff, in July. Retiring was part of her multiyear plan, “I knew some years ago that this was where I wanted to be at this stage in my life, to be able to make a transition. And also I think it’s good for the organization to be able to make a change and I feel that I’ve done everything I can for the organization and it’s well positioned to move forward
with new leadership.” Working for the City of Chandler has been a tremendous opportunity, Pappas says. “It’s a great organization and also to work with the Chandler Cultural Foundation. They started from the ground up and they gave the arts a home in Chandler. It’s just been really rewarding to work with Chandler Cultural Foundation as well as the City of Chandler.” Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.