SCCA names new leader

By Staff Report | Suffolk News-Herald

Published Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Paul Lasakow

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts has appointed a new executive director to replace Michael Bollinger, whose Dec. 31 resignation of that position left a hole in the leadership of the nonprofit organization.

Paul Lasakow took the reins on Monday, following “an intensive search which garnered over 60 applicants from all corners of the nation,” according to an SCCA press release Tuesday morning.

“The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is most fortunate to have hired an executive director of Paul Lasakow’s experience and stature,” SCCA’s Chairman of the Board, Whitney G. Saunders, said in the release.

Lasakow has served the Hampton Roads arts community for the past 16 years as production manager for the Norfolk Department of Civic Facilities, as manager of the Mary T. Christian Auditorium at Thomas Nelson Community College, as general manager of the George Roper Performing Arts Center at Tidewater Community College and as general manager of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

“I have devoted most of my career to the advancement of our region’s cultural organizations,” Lasakow said in the SCCA’s press release. “The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is unique among similar Hampton Roads organizations, as it encompasses both the visual and performing arts, while placing an emphasis on community outreach through educational and participatory opportunities. This unique mission is the primary motivator for me to pursue this position.”

The SCCA, located in the restored and refurbished Suffolk High School building at 110 W. Finney Ave., offers cultural entertainment, arts education, gallery exhibits and rental facilities, as well as a gift shop and a restaurant.

In addition to nationally recognized entertainers, the facility has staged children’s programs at little or no cost to area schools. Also, rehearsals are under way for the Center’s first full-scale theatrical production, the musical Peter Pan, which will be performed March 13-15, featuring a cast of 40 local singers and dancers.

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