News
CENTER NAMES CURTIS CEO
Board Leadership Removes “Acting” From Title
Douglas T. Curtis, President and Acting CEO of the nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center, is being named President and CEO, effective August 1, 2013. The title change reflects the Board of Directors’ confidence in Curtis and the results he and his team have produced for the Center.
“During a challenging transitional period, Doug stepped in, provided critical stability and kept the Center moving forward,” said Roger Nanney, chair of the Center’s Board of Directors. “It is in large part due to his leadership that the Center’s operations and balance sheet have been heading in the right direction.”
Curtis stepped into his current roles after the departure of the Center’s CEO in March of last year. Under his leadership, the Center ended fiscal year 2012 operationally in the black, the first time since its opening in 2009. The Center has seen increases in operational efficiency, revenue, memberships, ticket sales and fundraising. That trend is poised to continue for fiscal year 2013.
“The dream behind the Center was to create a dynamic cultural gathering place that serves all of Dallas,” said Curtis. “With my experienced team and a dedicated Board of Directors, we are achieving that success. I really am fortunate to have one of the best jobs in Dallas.”
Curtis joined the Center as Project Director in 2002, when planning was under way for the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts. He led the team that worked with the newly selected architects on the design and construction of the Center’s iconic venues. Curtis is the Center’s longest-serving staff member and has performed several different roles: Vice President of Design and Construction, General Manager, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Interim CEO.
He plays an active leadership role in the Dallas Arts District and in the Performing Arts Collaboration Initiative, a group of arts institutions working together to reduce costs through shared services and cultural cooperation. Curtis serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for Downtown Dallas, Inc. and is a member of the Dallas Assembly.
Prior to joining the Center, Curtis was Senior Construction Manager for Trizechahn Development Company in California, where he assisted in the development of Hollywood & Highland; a $600 million mixed-use landmark facility. He successfully managed all activities of the design and construction teams for the Kodak Theatre, now the Dolby Theatre. Curtis also served as Trizechahn’s representative to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
A seasoned real estate development professional, Curtis’ extensive background also includes serving as Director of Construction for Trammell Crow Company, Head of Construction for Walt Disney, Project Administrator for Beck, and many other prominent projects and companies.