The Rozsa Center announces new executive director

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) — The Rozsa Center announced Monday that Kiersten Birondo will become its new executive director on November 1.

According to a press release from Michigan Tech, Birondo, who has served as Rozsa’s marketing director for the past three seasons, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts to this leadership role.

As a fifth-generation alumna of Yooper, Houghton High School and Michigan Tech, and an active member of the theater and music community throughout her career, Birondo has a strong connection to the Rozsa Center and has witnessed of its positive impact on the region.

“Since opening in 2000, I’ve loved Rozsa from every angle,” Birondo said. “As a performer, an audience member, an aunt introducing my niece to the performing arts, and a staff member, la Rozsa has been the foundation of my artistic life and the catalyst for my professional life.”

In her role as executive director, Birondo will oversee all aspects of the Rozsa Center’s operations and work closely with the university to implement strategic plans for the future, including continuing to work with its sustainability mission and accessibility.

“I know the impact this organization can have on one person and on our entire community,” Birondo continues. “I am extremely excited and honored to have been chosen to lead Rozsa through next year’s 25th anniversary and beyond, continuing to imagine innovative ways for Rozsa to serve the campus and community.

The university says Birondo replaces former director Mary Jennings, who served the organization from 2014 until April 2024.

Monday’s announcement is the result of a five-month nationwide executive director search conducted by a search committee led by Jared Anderson, chair of Michigan Tech’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

“Kiersten’s passion for the arts, coupled with her experience in arts administration, strong leadership skills, and deep understanding of nearly every aspect of the Rozsa, makes her Michigan Technological University an equal opportunity educational institution and an equal opportunity employer. for everyone, including protected veterans and people with disabilities. ideal candidate for this position,” said Jared Anderson, chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts which houses the Rozsa Center. “We are confident that under his leadership, Rozsa will thrive and continue to be a vital cultural asset to our campus and community.” We are very excited about his leadership as we prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Rozsa Center next year.

Before joining the Rozsa Center, Birondo served as director of marketing and communications for SteppingStone Theater for Youth in St. Paul, Minnesota, and co-founded Now. Do. Art., a Minnesota-based organization that collaborates with community entities such as libraries and parks to provide free, youth-centered, multi-generational arts experiences in public spaces.

Birondo’s background in the arts has given him a unique perspective on the importance of supporting the creative community.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the five-month search for an executive director,” Anderson said. “Thank you to the community members who have invested their time and energy in our future and to the staff who have gone above and beyond to maintain our operations during this process. I am grateful for the work of the search committee which helped attract a pool of highly qualified candidates. The committee’s insights were invaluable in the process of selecting Rozsa’s new executive director.