Music Center names Kent Kresa chairman of the board

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The Music Center in downtown L.A. has announced that Kent Kresa will be its new chairman of the board of directors starting July 1. Kresa will succeed John B. Emerson, who will step down as chairman in June following eight years of service.

Kresa served on the Music Center board from 1993 to 2006, including a role as vice chair for six years. He also has been associated with the Music Center Foundation’s Board, which manages the endowment for the Music Center and its resident companies. Kresa was chairman, president and chief executive of Northrop Grumman from 1990 to 2003, and served as interim chairman of General Motors during its recent transition through bankruptcy.

In a statement, Kresa said that he is looking forward to creating ‘even more ways to engage, delight and inspire all those who experience performances at our Music Center. I am committed to widening both the Music Center’s audiences and financial support in the years ahead.’

Kresa serves on the boards of a host of other organizations, including Caltech, for which he is the chairman. He also serves on the boards of other nonprofit organizations and universities. During his tenure, Emerson helped to oversee the opening of Walt Disney Concert Hall and led a $30-million effort for the renovation of the Mark Taper Forum. He also helped to secure a $20-million gift from the Glorya Kaufman Dance Foundation.

Kresa’s wife, Joyce, serves on the boards of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Music Center.

The Music Center comprises the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum and Disney Hall.

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-- David Ng