April 16: Kathy Ramsberger, CEO, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center: 10 Years Of Success

Dr. Phillips Center recently celebrated a major milestone: its 10-year anniversary. Since opening, the arts center has hosted 6,500-plus events, welcomed over 5.3 million guests and invested more than $24.4 million into purpose-driven programming.

Another game-changer was the launch of Judson’s Live, a music room that hosted 434 performances in its first year across 34 different musical genres, which has become a hub for emerging local talent. 

“These achievements reflect growth and the deepening impact and demand from our community that inspires our expansion,” says Ramsberger. “This year, we’ve taken a hard look at what’s next: how to enhance our offerings, expand our campus and meet the needs of our growing community. We’ve been listening closely to students, educators, performers, regional arts groups, donors, healthcare and wellness organizations, businesses and residents, and it’s clear there’s an opportunity to do even more for Central Florida.”

Ramsberger’s most meaningful partnership right now is with the Performing Arts Center Consortium, where she serves as chair. “It’s a powerful group of about 35 arts leaders across North America who are united by a shared mission to shape the future of our industry,” says Ramsberger. “Together, we’re establishing new partnerships to reimagine the civic role of performing arts centers in American life. This work has the potential to shift national conversations about how the arts strengthens communities, inspires belonging and supports human flourishing.”

“Combined with our community giving (supporting more than 300 local groups and contributing over $24.4 million since opening) we’re proving that collective impact is possible when purpose drives partnership,” Ramsberger adds. “Together, we’re using the arts to foster inclusion, healing and shared experiences that strengthen our region.”