Dear Friends,

On behalf of The Wallis’ Board of Directors, I am pleased to introduce our patrons and community to the new Executive Director and CEO of The Wallis, Robert van Leer.

Robert is an exceptionally accomplished arts leader with high level experience at renowned arts organizations in the United States and Europe. His most recent role was Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Robert began his arts administration career at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York and worked in London as an executive administrator at the Wigmore Hall, then as Head of Music and Arts Projects at the Barbican Centre. Subsequently, he became Managing Director of Nederlands Dans Theatre (NDT), where he re-envisioned the mission of the company as a leading international creative ensemble.

Robert is well positioned to lead The Wallis on our mission to be a hub of relevant, dynamic performing arts, education and civic life for the Beverly Hills and greater Los Angeles communities. With his world-class experience and expertise, we are confident that Robert will build upon the solid foundation that we have achieved over the past nine years.

The Wallis would like to extend its appreciation to our many patrons and donors; the City of Beverly Hills and its Councilmembers (Mayor Julian Gold, Lili Bosse, John Mirisch, Lester Friedman and Sharona Nazarian); and our dedicated Board of Directors for the contributions and feedback that informed our global search for The Wallis’ new leader. Many thanks to my fellow search committee members, David Bohnett, Cinny Kennard, Erin Mahan, Daphna Nazarian, Susan Strauss and Jonathan Victor, for their tireless efforts and keen focus, as well as to Wallis Annenberg and Debbie Allen for their insight.

Please join me in welcoming Robert to The Wallis and his new Beverly Hills/Los Angeles home, and turn the page to see Robert’s own message to you.

Enjoy the program and your time at Beverly Hills’ civic treasure, The Wallis.

Michael Nemeroff CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD