Following a national search, Lora Unger of Bellevue, Washington, to take the helm with more than 20 years in nonprofit performing arts leadership.
Santa Rosa, Calif., November 3, 2025 — Luther Burbank Center for the Arts’ (LBC) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Lora Unger as The Center’s new President & CEO, effective November 17, 2025. Unger succeeds Richard (Rick) Nowlin, who is retiring after 18 years of dedicated leadership. The announcement comes after a thorough national search led by executive search firm Morris & Berger, in partnership with LBC’s Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team.
Unger has served more than 20 years in nonprofit performing arts leadership, distinguished by her success in innovative fundraising, strategic growth, and community engagement. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) in Bellevue, Washington, where she reignited a multimillion-dollar capital campaign.
Before PACE, Unger spent nine years as CEO of the Pasadena Symphony Association (previously five years as COO), leading one of Los Angeles County’s most dynamic artistic and organizational transformations. Under her leadership, the Symphony established financial stability through strategic programming and unprecedented growth in fundraising, which set the stage for sustainable future annual growth. At the same time, the Symphony more than doubled its education programs, deepening its impact on students and families across the region.
Unger arrived at the Pasadena Symphony after two years as General Manager of the Jacksonville Symphony Association and four years as Chief Operating Officer of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.
“Lora brings an impressive record of leadership, creativity, and community engagement to lead the LBC’s continued success,” said Wes Daniels, Chair of the LBC Board of Directors. “She has a deep understanding of the performing arts as both a cultural and educational force, and she embodies the collaborative spirit that defines Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. We are excited to welcome her as she leads the Center into its next exciting chapter.”
“I am deeply honored to join the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts,” said Unger. “LBC plays an essential role in the cultural and educational fabric of Sonoma County, and I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and community stakeholders to build upon the Center’s strong foundation, expand access to the arts, and strengthen the creative heartbeat of this remarkable region.”
About Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
A 501c(3) non-profit organization, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is home to world-class performances, nationally recognized education programs, contemporary visual art, and many popular events. The Arts Center is located in the heart of the Sonoma wine country and ranked among California’s top performing arts presenters. Together with its resident companies, The Center presents more than 230 performances in music, dance, theater, renowned speakers, and comedy; provides education programs serving more than 50,000 children and adults; and hosts more than 800 community events a year. Owned and operated by the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation, The Center relies on charitable community donations to achieve its mission – to enrich, educate, and entertain. For more information, visit lutherburbankcenter.org.