The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) has named Lisa Richards Toney as its next president and CEO. She succeeds much-loved leader Mario Garcia Durham, who will step down on 30 June.
As you would expect, Lisa Richards Toney has a very strong track record as leader. She’s held either permanent or interim executive director positions with Abramson Scholarship Foundation, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and Debbie Allen Dance Academy. She was also the director of the American Place Theatre.
Right now, Toney serves as the strategic planning chair of the Mosaic Theatre Company of DC, co-chair of the Jack and Jill DC Chapter Jumoke Black History Festival, and as a booking and producing consultant for cellist Okorie “OkCello” Johnson.
“I am honored to join APAP as your next President and CEO,” commented Toney. “The opportunity to serve members and constituents and lead the field in its demonstration of resilience and necessity during this critical period and beyond is essential work – I’m ready to join you!”
Added APAP in a press release: “The COVID-19 crisis gave us an added urgency to identify leadership that can manage us through and out of crisis, as well as help guide us forward. Lisa’s combination of strengths and her hands-on experience in many realms of the performing arts field give the board confidence that she is the right voice for APAP at this time.”
