Dear PAFA students, faculty, and staff,

I write to you today to share an exciting update from the PAFA Board of Trustees that Elizabeth Warshawer had been appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, a role she has played at other prominent arts organizations. Elizabeth is an extraordinarily talented and accomplished leader with a great deal of Philadelphia and cultural community knowledge.

Elizabeth has more than thirty years of experience leading and managing organizations in the academic, non-profit, and corporate sectors. Venerable Philadelphia institutions that have benefited from her leadership, financial acumen, and executive management include the Philadelphia Orchestra (1999–2007) and the Curtis Institute of Music (2007–2015), to name a few. Since 2015, as Principal of EBW Consulting, LLC, her business has focused on strategic planning, organizational operating models, culture change initiatives, and leadership development. She also has served in similar interim leadership roles for the National Symphony Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Based in Philadelphia, Elizabeth has clients across the country, from New York to San Francisco. Her familiarity with the region, PAFA, and extant experience will be a welcome addition to the college and museum entering 2021.

“I am looking forward to serving students, faculty, alumni, staff and board as PAFA’s interim leader,” Elizabeth shared. “The current leadership transition is complicated by turbulent times in our country and the effects of a global pandemic that have disrupted all cultural and educational institutions. In this interim role, I will do my very best to provide guidance to the entire PAFA community while helping the organization to think about its future leadership needs.”

Elizabeth begins her interim role on Monday, January 4, 2021. The Board of Trustees is creating a committee that will initiate a national search for a new President and CEO in late February 2021 with the goal to fill the position by the end of the third quarter. We are thrilled to have Elizabeth Warshawer as an integral part of our community. I hope you will join me in giving her a warm PAFA welcome.

Best regards,

Kevin F. Donohoe
Chair, PAFA Board of Trustees