Tom Gabbard, president and CEO of Blumenthal Arts, plans to retire at the end of 2027 after more than 20 years leading the Charlotte-based performing arts organization.
Gabbard shared his retirement plans with the Blumenthal Arts Board of Directors, which will begin a comprehensive leadership transition to identify the organization’s next president and CEO. He will remain in his role through the transition to help ensure continuity and support the organization’s continued momentum before stepping down at the end of next year.
“Tom’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the arts have shaped Blumenthal Arts into one of the premier performing arts organizations in the nation,” said Board of Directors David Head. “We are deeply grateful for everything Tom has built and are committed to conducting a thoughtful, inclusive search that honors his legacy and positions Blumenthal Arts for its next exciting chapter. Tom will be an invaluable partner as we chart the path forward.”
Since becoming president and CEO in 2003, Gabbard has overseen a period of expansion for Blumenthal Arts. During his tenure, the organization launched the Charlotte Jazz Festival, Charlotte International Arts Festival and the relaunch of Charlotte SHOUT!, while also bringing the international hip-hop festival Breakin’ Convention from London to Charlotte for three years. Blumenthal Arts also opened the Knight Theater, Stage Door Theater and Blume Studios.
The organization also launched The Blumey Awards in 2013, giving Charlotte-area high school students the opportunity to participate in a regional musical theater awards program that qualifies students for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. The program became a model for 58 similar programs across the country and helped support the careers of performers including Eva Noblezada, Reneé Rapp and Bryson Battle.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Blumenthal Arts launched immersive experiences, including “Immersive Van Gogh,” which attracted more than 300,000 visitors in six months and allowed more than 200 employees to safely return to work. The organization said those efforts helped establish Charlotte as a destination for international immersive productions launching in North America.
Before joining Blumenthal Arts, Gabbard held leadership positions at arts organizations in California, Colorado and Wisconsin during a career spanning nearly 50 years. He has also served as a longtime member of The Broadway League, a Tony Awards voter and a founding member of the Independent Presenters Network.
After retiring, Gabbard said he plans to remain in Charlotte while advising Blumenthal Arts and consulting with arts organizations around the world.
“I was the lucky inheritor of a strong institution from my predecessor, Judith Allen, who led Blumenthal Arts for its first decade,” Gabbard said. “Now it’s time for the next chapter of growth and creativity guided by a new leader.”
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