Grand Performances has selected Rafael González as President and CEO, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He began his tenure on August 2, 2022.
Prior to advancing to the role of President and CEO, González served as Grand Performances’ Interim President and CEO. A well-versed leader in the nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors, González previously held a position as Director of Community Outreach and Engagement for the Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission. While there, González implemented effective outreach strategies to ensure healthy and stable community development. He also served as the Commission’s liaison to the Offices of the Mayor, City Attorney, Controller & City Council for the propose of fostering system changes and catalyzing polices that translated into a positive long-lasting impact on local issues.
González’s expertise in organizational management and community capacity building encompasses multiple executive roles that he has fulfilled throughout his career, including positions as Director of Community Relations at First 5 LA and Director of Community Relations at the Los Angeles Dodgers. A devoted social change agent, he currently serves on the boards of Community Coalition, Center for Nonprofit Management, and ActiveSGV. He is also a councilmember for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Advisory Council and Durfee School Site Council. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in Chicano studies/social studies from California State University of Northridge and a master of leadership degree from the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California.
In making the announcement, Grand Performances’ Board Chair Karla Salazar said, “On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to welcome Rafael as our new President and CEO knowing his wealth of multisector experience make him perfect for the role. “As an artist himself, Rafael deeply appreciates Grand Performance’s long-standing legacy and keenly understands the important role we play in bringing people together through world music.”
“As someone who grew up with downtown L.A. as his backyard, I am honored to lead Grand Performances as President & CEO, that for over 36 years has gifted Angelenos with a one-of-a-kind experience and profound relationship to the global performing arts,” said González. “I’ve had the pleasure to have relished many memorable performances over the last 30 years at Grand Performances as part of an eclectic audience that continues to evolve and reflect the LA region; one that recognizes Los Angeles as the world and the world as Los Angeles. I look forward to redefining free access to the arts and creating more Grand Performance experiences for Angelenos to always hold close to their hearts like I and my children continue to have…whether it’s on our stage or neighborhoods across Los Angeles.”
“Congratulations to Rafael González on his appointment as President and CEO and to the Grand Performances board and staff as they enter the new exciting chapter,” said ACG Vice President Shawn D. Ingram. “A passionate and highly accomplished leader in civic engagement and social justice advocacy, González will embody the great values of Grand Performances and contribute to its growth.”
September 2022.