Fulton Theatre Names Elisabeth Habecker as Trustee Emerita

Sunday, May 4th, at the Fulton Theatre's annual Fulton Follies Gala, Elisabeth H. Habecker was named Trustee Emerita by the Fulton's 26-member Board of Trustees. The title of Trustee Emeritus, a life-long designation, is bestowed from time-to-time by the board on individuals whose history of assistance and dedication to the Fulton has resulted in a significant and positive impact on the quality and community benefit of live theater at the Fulton Opera House. Liz is the 10th individual so designated during the Fulton Opera House Foundation's 51-year history. Other designees include Irving Budd Callman, Jeanne Clemson (deceased), L. Thomas Gemmill, Jr., Ellen Arnold Groff (deceased), Helen Hager (deceased), Homer Luttringer (deceased), Jane Mueller, Joan O'Brien, and Deidre W. Simmons.

Liz has served with distinction as an elected Trustee for fifteen years including two years as President of the Board and eight years as Treasurer. During significant transition periods, she has acted as full-time Managing Director (in partnership with fellow Trustee Emerita Deidre Simmons) and Comptroller, serving both times for extended periods and without pay. She has volunteered as Chair of numerous theatre fundraising efforts including the 150th Anniversary celebration and creator of the Fulton Follies. She has also secured extraordinary gifts for the Fulton and negotiated loans and real estate purchases. Of significant importance, she has defined the spirit of collaborative effort connecting local non-profits with the Fulton Theatre.

Unaware of this distinction coming, Liz was serenaded from the stage by members of the teen ensemble of the Fulton's upcoming production of LES MISERABLES. A proclamation was then presented by current Board President, Elliot Sterenfeld and Immediate Past President, Patricia J. Otto.

Liz's extensive volunteer efforts reach deep into the community. She has also served as president of the Milagro House board, chaired several projects for Junior League, served as both board member and member of the Mission and Community Benefit Committee of Lancaster General Health, and volunteered as treasurer of Lancaster Day Care Center. With her husband Kent, she has chaired capital campaigns at the Lancaster YWCA and Lancaster Country Day School. She is currently a member of the Board of WITF and Board member and Treasurer of Milagro House.

A graduate of the University of Richmond, Liz worked professionally in commercial lending at Meridian Bank and in pension plan auditing for Reinsel Kuntz Lesher. She has been volunteering in Lancaster for 29 years. Her husband, Kent, is Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at Merrill Lynch in Lancaster.