Copyright Santa Rosa Press Democrat
After 18 years at the helm of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, president and CEO Rick Nowlin has announced his retirement. LBC made the announcement in an Oct. 8 news release which applauded Nowlin’s work expanding the Center’s arts education programs and community partnerships and for strengthening its long-term financial stability. “Rick’s leadership has been transformational for LBC,” said Wes Daniels, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His vision and dedication have elevated The Center’s role in the community, creating greater access to the arts for students and families, ensuring LBC remains a place where world-class performance and community connection thrive.” Among his many accomplishments, Nowlin is credited with guiding the nonprofit through the 2017 wildfires, shifting the Center to virtual programming during the COVID-19 pandemic and securing and investing $17 million into the facility and campus. The news release also noted Nowlin’s efforts to expanded outreach activities that include the popular Art Walk, Sculpture Courtyard, and Sculpture Garden, as well as summer camps for the arts, after-school mariachi and ballet folklorico programs and the annual Fiesta de Independencia. “It has been an honor to serve this remarkable organization and community,” said Nowlin. “The arts have the power to inspire, connect, and transform lives, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together at LBC. I have every confidence in the board, staff, and community to carry this work forward.” The release said Nowlin will retire “this fall,” and the LBC’s Board of Directors is conducting a national search for his replacement.
