Debora L. Spar Resigns as  Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts President and CEO; Russell Granet Named Acting President

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has accepted the resignation of President and CEO Debora L. Spar, who announced today that she is stepping aside to return to her academic pursuits. "We are grateful for her service and wish Debora success in the next chapter of her career," said Chair of the Lincoln Center Board of Directors, Katherine Farley.

In announcing her resignation to staff, Spar stated, "Earlier this morning, I formally resigned my position as President and CEO of Lincoln Center. The advancement of the arts is a cause very close to my heart, both on a personal and professional level, but I feel compelled at this moment to refocus on other interests."

"During her time with us, Debora fostered strong relationships among all of the Lincoln Center campus constituencies and led efforts to develop a new strategic plan for our organization. She has been a champion for expanding community engagement and cultivating new audiences. We are grateful for these and her many other contributions," said Farley. The Board of Directors will initiate a formal search for Spar's permanent successor within the coming weeks.

Effective immediately, Russell Granet has been named Acting President of the organization. Granet, a trusted member of the senior leadership team since he joined Lincoln Center in 2012, is a renowned leader in arts and education and an effective fundraiser for the programs he has led.

In his nearly six-year tenure at Lincoln Center, Granet has redefined and expanded the organization's commitment to arts education. Under his leadership, Lincoln Center Education has initiated important new programs that have advanced Lincoln Center's reach internationally and across all five boroughs. He has worked tirelessly to help students and families, especially those in need, access pathways to the arts through education.

"Russell's passion for the arts runs deep. From his conservatory training to his work with community partners bringing quality arts education and artistic experiences to New Yorkers in every borough, he understands how to build bridges and is uniquely qualified to lead us forward," said Farley. "Russell has the full support of Lincoln Center's Board of Directors and senior leadership in his new role as Acting President."

"To be entrusted with this responsibility is the highest honor of my career," said Granet. "I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Board during this transition to support our artistic endeavors and keep our major projects moving forward."

Farley added, "Russell is supported by a best-in-class team, and I am confident that under their leadership, all of Lincoln Center's programs and other major initiatives will continue to move forward smoothly, including the David Geffen Hall project. The team of Board members and senior staff working on the feasibility study for the hall remains in place, in partnership with the New York Philharmonic, and we expect the study to be completed this summer."

Lincoln Center is the world's largest performing arts complex and home to 11 resident organizations. The nonprofit organization presents thousands of free and ticketed events annually on its iconic campus, and beyond. 6.5 million visitors are welcomed to campus annually and contribute $2.4 billion toward New York's economy.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) serves three primary roles: presenter of artistic programming, national leader in arts and education and community engagement, and manager of the Lincoln Center campus. A presenter of more than 3,000 free and ticketed events, performances, tours, and educational activities annually, LCPA offers a variety of festivals and programs, including American Songbook, Avery Fisher Career Grants and Artist program, David Rubenstein Atrium programming, Great Performers, Lincoln Center Awards for Emerging Artists, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Lincoln Center Vera List Art Project, LC Kids, Midsummer Night Swing, Mostly Mozart Festival, White Light Festival, the Emmy Award-winning Live From Lincoln Center, which airs nationally on PBS, and Lincoln Center Education, which is celebrating more than four decades enriching the lives of students, educators, and lifelong learners. As manager of the Lincoln Center campus, LCPA provides support and services for the Lincoln Center complex and the 11 resident organizations: The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Film Society of Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Juilliard School, Lincoln Center Theater, The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, School of American Ballet, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Lincoln Center has become a leading force in using new media and technology to reach and inspire a wider and global audience. Reaching audiences where they are-physically and digitally-has become a cornerstone of making the performing arts more accessible to New Yorkers and beyond. For more information, visit LincolnCenter.org.