The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Foundation (CCAEF) has selected Gina Lopez as Chief Executive Officer, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She will begin her tenure on January 17, 2023.
Gina Lopez is an executive, artist, and educator with nearly 20 years of experience leading organizations within both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Most recently, Lopez served as Executive Director at the Brewery Arts Center (BAC), a multidisciplinary arts organization based in Carson City, Nevada. Taking over the role at a time when the BAC was in great turmoil and financial distress, Lopez championed the center’s 180-degree 6-figure turn around in the first year of her tenure. During her 8 years in the post, Lopez oversaw hundreds of events, concerts, traveling exhibits, classes, and outreach programs annually and served as a liaison to over 15 partner organizations. Under her leadership, the BAC received more than $1 million in grants, launched TEDxCarsonCity, and started a renowned series of free summer concerts the Levitt AMP Carson City.
Prior to the BAC, Lopez held positions as Director of Creativity & Special Events at IGNNK, Inc. and as Performing Arts Director at ICDA Charter High School. She also served as Director of VIP Services and Special Events at Eldorado Hotel Casino. Lopez is the recipient of numerous awards, including Nevada Women’s Fund: Woman of the Year, Reno Gazette Journal, Best of Education Award, Featured Artist-Artown, Foundation for the Betterment of Carson City-Organization of the Year Award, Northern Nevada’s most powerful women, and Non-profit of the Year, 2022.
In making the announcement, CCAEF Board Chairperson Sara Matta said, “Ms. Lopez has exactly the right skill set and energy to help us develop and expand our programs and move us forward to an exciting future. We are very pleased that she will be joining us at this pivotal moment in our history.”
“I am honored to have been selected to join the team at the CCAEF,” said Lopez. “The amazing facilities, dedicated staff, engaged board, and supportive community are truly impressive and I look forward to helping to further the mission of CCAEF of celebrating both the visual and performing arts, as that is my passion and life’s work.”
“Congratulations to the CCAEF on appointing Gina Lopez as Chief Executive Officer. ACG was privileged to work with the wonderful search committee, board, and staff of the CCAEF to find a perfect candidate for this position,” said ACG Associate Vice President Ernest A. Figueroa. “Gina is a trusted voice in the arts and culture sector. She is congenial and a strong servant leader that will build upon the twenty-plus year history of the center and leverage its value locally and regionally.”
November 2022