Mesa Names Richard M. Parison, Jr. Director of Arts and Culture

December 5, 2023 at 3:00 pm

Following a highly competitive national search, Mesa has appointed Richard M. Parison, Jr. as the City's new Arts and Culture Director.

An arts and culture leader for over 30 years, Mr. Parison will oversee Mesa's prestigious institutions, including the City's three owned-and-operated museums: i.d.e.a. Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History and Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. He will also serve as the Executive Director of the internationally acclaimed Mesa Arts Center.

"Mr. Parison is a dynamic cultural arts administrator with demonstrated experience leading renowned and beloved municipal institutions.
His career accomplishments demonstrate a professional commitment to mission-based work that entertains audiences and engages communities," said City Manager Chris Brady.
"We are thrilled to bring someone of Mr. Parison's caliber and background to Mesa.
We can't wait to see Mesa Arts grow and thrive under his tenure."

For over 30 years - half of it at municipal arts institutions - Mr. Parison has demonstrated his commitment to cultural arts, education and community engagement.

As the Director of Arts and Culture and Artistic Director for the City of Hampton, Virginia, he curated all presenting and producing operations and managed the unique public/private partnership between the City and the Hampton Arts Foundation.
Prior to that, Mr. Parison served as CEO and Executive Director of Richmond CenterStage (Richmond Performing Arts Center), where he led the development and implementation of new programming, strategic fundraising, institutional marketing and regional educational initiatives.

"Exciting opportunities such as this come along so rarely. It's an honor to be selected to lead a world-class arts and culture institution such as Mesa museums and the Mesa Arts Center and to work with talented and passionate staff who are transforming the arts landscape in Mesa and the Valley," said Richard Parison, Jr.
"It is through a variety of performing, science and visual arts offerings that a city enhances the cultural, leisure and intellectual growth of its community. I'm inspired by Mesa's commitment to champion cultural arts and to make it accessible to all in the community."

Mr. Parison has an innovative record of presenting, producing and performing arts.

In addition to municipal arts administration, Mr. Parison has extensive experience in theater operations, artistic direction and stage production.
He holds degrees from Miami University (Ohio). *

His official start date will be Feb. 6, 2024.

* CORRECTION: He holds a BFA from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio with an emphasis in Arts Administration & Directing

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Richard M Parison Jr.

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RICHARD M PARISON JR. BIO

Richard M. Parison, Jr. is currently the Executive Director of the Westcoast Black Theater Company in Sarasota, Florida.

Prior to Sarasota, Richard was the Executive Director of CenterStage Foundation for Richmond CenterStage, central Virginia’s premiere performing arts center;
Associate Artistic Director at the award-winning Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia
and before that, for over eight seasons, the Associate to Producing Artistic Director, Bernard Havard, at the internationally recognized Walnut Street Theatre.

Richard began his career in professional theater as Artistic Associate to Gerald Freedman and Victoria Bussert at Great Lakes Theater Festival in Cleveland, Ohio.

As a director, he is multi nominee for the Philadelphia Barrymore Award for Dreamgirls, The Glass Menagerie and The Big Bang. Richard most recently directed Dessa Rose at the Firehouse Theater Project, in Richmond and Fiddler on the Roof for Virginia Repertory Theatre, which received 10 nominations for the Richmond Critics Circle Choice Awards, including Best Director.

He holds a BFA from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio with an emphasis in Arts Administration & Directing
and is a fellow of Leadership Philadelphia and
a graduate of the PEW Charitable Trusts Young Emerging Arts Leadership program.

Crain's Cleveland Business

November 09, 2023 11:34 AM > He started the role in September

Great Lakes Theater executive director out after a short run

SCOTT SUTTELL

Richard M. Parison, Jr. Appointed Executive Director for Great Lakes Theater and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Cleveland, OH - Great Lakes Theater (GLT) and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (LTSF) are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard M. Parison, Jr. as their new Executive Director. A seasoned and accomplished theater professional with over 30 years of experience, Parison brings a deep-rooted understanding of regional theater and a genuine commitment to enhancing the community through transformative theatrical experiences. He will start the role in September - succeeding current Executive Director, Bob Taylor, as part of a planned retirement transition.

Parison has held significant leadership positions in esteemed theater organizations throughout his career, including Executive Director of the Richmond Performing Arts Center/Center Stage Foundation in Virginia,

Producing Director at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA and
Assistant Producing Artistic Director at Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

Parison returns to Northeast Ohio and GLT, where he launched his career at the then-known Great Lakes Theater Festival. With his remarkable leadership acumen and versatile skill set, he stands poised to usher in a new era for both organizations, uniting their efforts toward the shared vision of bringing theater to the widest possible audience in the Northeast Ohio and Lake Tahoe regions.

"We are thrilled to welcome Richard back to Great Lakes Theater," shared Kim Bixenstine, President of the Board of Trustees at Great Lakes Theater. "His journey from starting his career with us to now assuming the role of Executive Director is a testament to his passion for this organization. We are confident that his exceptional leadership, in conjunction with the already tremendous leadership from our Producing Artistic Director, Charles Fee, will propel Great Lakes Theater toward even greater heights, enriching the theatrical landscape of our beloved community."

Parison's extensive experience in organizational leadership, administrative management, development and philanthropy, community engagement, and institutional marketing positions him as an outstanding leader who will foster a shared sense of inspiration and unity within both organizations. His strategic vision and dedication to promoting a diverse and inclusive theatrical environment align perfectly with both theaters' commitment to excellence and accessibility.

"Richard's appointment as Executive Director for Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival fills us with immense excitement and anticipation," says Patty Engels, Chair of Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival's Board of Trustees. "Richard's visionary leadership and diverse expertise will inspire our patrons and maintain our commitment to providing extraordinary theater in the stunning setting of Lake Tahoe."

As Executive Director, Parison will join Producing Artistic Director Charles Fee in leading the organizations, working closely with the Boards of Trustees and staff to continue delivering high-quality theatrical productions and engaging experiences to both regions. His proven ability to foster strong partnerships and his commitment to the arts make him an ideal candidate to enhance both theaters' missions further.

"This appointment from Great Lakes Theater and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival humbles and honors me," Richard M. Parison, Jr. says. "It was in Northeast Ohio that my passion for regional theater was ignited; moreover, it was at Great Lakes Theater that my professional theater journey began. Returning to Great Lakes Theater and joining Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival to partner with Charlie, the Boards of Trustees and the fantastic staff is beyond a privilege."