Lorrin Shepard

Sr Vice President & Chief Operational Officer @Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Mr. Shepard joined the Straz Center in 1990 as Production Manager, after previously serving in similar capacities at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and at Vanderbilt University. In 1992, he was named Vice President of Operations and was responsible for the daily operations of the Center. Mr. Shepard was named Executive Vice President and General Manager in 2001 and in 2005 he was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operational Officer. Mr. Shepard oversees all aspects of the Straz Center’s general programs and services, which includes advancing the institution’s strategic mission and the administration of the following divisions: patron services, production services, security and safety, facilities, retail and food and beverage. He is also responsible for the development and implementation of the facility’s master plan and all capital improvements and represents the Straz Center facility to its local public partners. Under his leadership, the Straz Center opened the Dr. Pallavi Patel Performing Arts Conservatory, the first addition to the facility since it opened in 1987. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in theater production from Earlham College. Mr. Shepard recently served on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Venue Managers.