The Hult Center Appoints Laura Lee as Managing Director

Tom O’Connor Consulting Group (TOCG) is pleased to announce that Laura Lee has been appointed Managing Director by the Hult Center (Isaac Marquez, Director of Cultural Services) in Eugene, Oregon, following our extensive national search led by Cynthia Fuhrman.

As shared in a release from the company, "In July of 2024, the Hult Center completed a nationwide search for its new Managing Director, and welcomed Laura Lee, an arts professional with over 30+ years of arts and non profit management experience as the new Managing Director of the venue. As the Managing Director, Laura will be overseeing the Hult Center and its mission and strategic direction.”

In the company’s statement Lee shared “Now six months into my tenure at the Hult Center, I am feeling firm on the beautiful grounds of Eugene. I have had an opportunity to meet with and center the incredible staff at the Hult and am so proud to have joined this team. Whether it is enjoying the work of one of our four Resident Companies or in the audience of our Hult Presents or Broadway in Eugene series, the 185,000+ annual patrons who come into our building are not only entertained, but are treated uniquely and with care, as they experience art produced at the highest levels. I am looking forward to spending more time in our community ensuring that we are inviting in local artists and audiences so that the Hult Center is known as a vibrant, accessible, leading contributor to the arts eco system in this great City. If you are coming into our theaters to see one of our shows, look for me in the lobby and please stop by to say hello!”

“Laura’s leadership comes at an exciting time for the Hult Center, which has redefined its business model, navigated the challenges of the pandemic with resilience, and emerged stronger than ever.” shared Isaac Marquez. “The Hult Center is now operating at a record high, with a model that not only brings resources back into the city but also reaches audiences across every state in the nation. Laura has already integrated herself seamlessly, building authentic connections with both staff and external partners, and we’re already seeing the benefits of her fresh perspective.”

“As part of a national search firm, it’s rare to be able to work on a project this close to home,” said Cynthia Fuhrman, VP of Executive Search and based in Portland, Oregon. “It was a delight to partner with the team at the City of Eugene to find the right leader for the Northwest treasure that is the Hult Center. With Laura Lee at the helm, I look forward to seeing close up how the Hult Center will continue to grow in its role as an arts magnet for the region.”

About the Hult Center

Built by the people of Eugene, the Hult Center has quite an impressive history. Since its grand opening in 1982, the Hult Center has been charming audiences and popular performers alike with its stunning architectural and acoustical features. From the towering glass Lobby, the grand 2,447-seat Silva Concert Hall with its basket-weave ceiling and the intimate 495-seat Soreng Theater with its intriguing asymmetrical design, the Hult Center is truly a great arts facility.

The Hult Center is operated by the City of Eugene’s Cultural Services Division, as part of the City’s Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.

About Tom O’Connor Consulting Group

Tom O’Connor Consulting Group (TOCG) is a NYC-based consultancy that supports arts institutions and leaders with two integrated services: organizational strategy and executive search. Consulting specialties include marketing, strategy, assessment, and organizational development. Founded in 2015, TOCG is a fully remote company with team members spanning the country and the globe.

Select clients have included Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Carnegie Hall, Cincinnati Opera, Huntington Theatre Company, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Lincoln Center Theater, The Metropolitan Opera, Next Chapter Podcasts, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, SPACE on Ryder Farm, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and more.

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