Nearly a year after the August 31 resignation of Scottsdale Cultural Council president and CEO, William H. Banchs, the organization has announced it has found a new candidate to take the title. Succeeding the current interim president and CEO, Richard Hayslip, effective Monday, August 11, is Neale Perl, former president and CEO of the D.C.-based Washington Performing Arts.
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Contracted by the city, the nonprofit organization manages Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and Scottsdale Public Art.
Perl will bring with him 25 years of experience in the arts including 11 years with Washington Performing Arts partnering with more than 50 other arts organizations, 14 years as executive director of La Jolla Music Society, three years as assistant director of the University of Maryland's Summer Institute for the Performing Arts, and a repertoire of academic achievements and performances as a cellist.
In a press release issued by the Scottsdale Cultural Council on Tuesday, August 5, Perl says, "I am grateful to the board of trustees for inviting me to serve as president and CEO of the Scottsdale Cultural Council. Thanks to the leadership of the board, dedication of the staff and volunteers, and support of the city and community, the Cultural Council is well-positioned to embark on a new phase of its development and service to the people of Scottsdale. I am excited for the opportunity to grow existing programs, institute new initiatives, nurture and forge community partnerships, and engage diverse audiences for the visual and performing arts."
Interim president and CEO Hayslip will remain on the Scottsdale Cultural Council's board of trustees. For more information, visit www.scottsdalearts.org.
