The City of Thousand Oaks has selected Jonathan Serret as Cultural Affairs Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He began his tenure on November 20, 2020.
Mr. Serret most recently worked at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center (BAPAC), serving as technical Director for 10 years and as Deputy Cultural Affairs Director - General Manager since 2017. In addition to providing operational oversight, he implemented the Cultural Affairs Five-Year Strategic Plan and produced the City’s Pop Up Arts and Music Festival. He also served as liaison to the Cultural Affairs Commission and to the Community Funding Review Committee for Community Events Endowment Fund (CEEF) grants. Mr. Serret’s additional experience includes various theater operations roles at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Cultivating deep connections with the local performing and visual arts community, Mr. Serret currently serves as a volunteer with Conejo Valley Pride and on the board of directors for Art Trek in Newbury Park, California. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in theatre arts and a master of science degree in leadership and management from the University of La Verne in California.
In making the announcement, City Manager Andrew Powers said, “Jonathan is a visionary and is eager to bring live performances back to the Kavli and Scherr Forum when it is safe and appropriate to do so. His relationships with agents, managers, and artists will be critical to bringing back local shows and some of the country’s top artists to perform in our venues. He understands the importance of operating the theatres as a business and ensuring their financial viability, along with supporting our local resident arts companies.”
“For the last 13 years, it has been a privilege to work for the City of Thousand Oaks,” said Mr. Serret. “I am exceptionally proud of our Cultural Affairs Department team and the work that we have done at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center and in the community. I am deeply honored to assume this role and carry the torch forward as we work to reinforce the importance of arts, culture, and entertainment in the community and as a significant part of our local economy.”
“ACG congratulates Jonathan Serret on his placement as Cultural Affairs Director for the City of Thousand Oaks,” said ACG Senior Vice President Wyona Lynch-McWhite. “His understanding of the Thousand Oaks community and vast experience in performing arts operations will help redefine the city’s arts landscape city by providing the highest quality cultural experiences to residents and visitors alike.”
March 2021