Barretto named permanent CEO and president of Harris Theater

Fri Sep 22, 2017 at 1:45 pm

By Lawrence A. Johnson

Patricia Barretto
Patricia Barretto has been named president and CEO of the Harris Theater.

Patricia Barretto, who was named president and CEO of the Harris Theater on an interim basis in June, had her position made permanent on Friday.

“We are thrilled to have Patricia at the helm during this important moment in the Harris Theater’s history,” said Alexandra Nichols, chairman of the Harris board of trustees, in a released statement. “Patricia has been instrumental in the Theater’s accomplishments of the past two years, and her leadership, experience, and passion for the arts will ensure its success well into the future.”

Barretto joined the Harris as vice-president of marketing & communications in 2015 and her duties were expanded to executive vice president of external affairs the following year.

The Harris Theater will open an exceptionally ambitious 14th season next month, with the Monteverdi 450 project, as John Eliot Gardiner conducts concert performances of all three surviving Monteverdi operas.

Barretto will lead an executive leadership team consisting of Laura Hanssel, chief financial officer since 2013, and Lori Dimun, who was recently appointed chief operating officer.

“I am proud to work alongside these exceptionally talented women, and to lead this organization into the next decade,” said Barretto in a released statement. “The Harris Theater has come to represent the very best in the performing arts, and it is an honor to serve as its President and CEO.”

Barretto previously held the position of executive director of Toronto’s Opera Atelier, where she guided the baroque opera company into an internationally recognized arts organization.

Posted in Uncategorized


Leave a Comment