At its May meeting, the Board of Directors of Californians for the Arts elected Jonathan Moscone, Chief of Civic Engagement, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) in San Francisco. In that capacity, he designs and implements YBCA’s civic engagement activities, connecting the art and artists of YBCA with the diverse constituencies of the Center and San Francisco, and community based organizations from all over the Bay Area. Jon served for 15 years as the artistic director of the California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes) in Berkeley, California. Under Jon’s leadership, Cal Shakes pioneered educational and community engagement programs that are widely regarded models of the civic role that leading arts institutions play in the life of their communities. He is the first recipient of the Zelda Fichandler Award, given by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation for “transforming the American theatre through his unique and creative work.” Jon has served on several local, state, and national panels, including the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. He also has participated in many programs with National Arts Strategies, including the year long Chief Executive Program. Born and raised in San Francisco, Moscone received his BA from Williams College, worked as assistant to Joseph Papp, producer of the New York Shakespeare Festival, and earned his MFA degree from the Yale School of Drama.

Jonathan succeeds Deborah Cullinan, who served on the Board since 2008.