Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts’ Katherine Farley will step down as chair of the board of directors this June after 13 years in the role. She will be succeeded by Steven R. Swartz, CEO of Hearst. Lincoln Center Theater and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts are both resident organizations under Lincoln Center.
Farley joined the board in 2003 and became chair in 2010. In addition to her role with the organization, Farley previously served on the boards of the New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center Theater (both of which are based at the famed Upper West Side campus). She was also chair of the Lincoln Center Development Project from 2006-2010. Much of her work over the past decade has been dedicated to the improvement of the Lincoln Center campus, including the reopening of David Geffen Hall and the revitalization of 65th Street and Hearst Plaza. Farley will remain a member of the board and executive committee.
Swartz, a member of the board of directors since 2012, has also served on the executive committee and helped raise more than $75 million for the reimagined Lincoln Center Corporate Fund. Previously, Swartz completed a five-year term as chair of the Associated Press and recently served as co-chair of the Partnership for New York City. Swartz has been elected chair designate and will officially take over as board chair on June 13.
“I am deeply honored to have served as board chair of this great institution and am so proud of all we have accomplished together,” Farley said in a statement. “We are well-positioned for a strong future of service to all of New York City, and Steve is the leader to bring us into the next chapter. He is at the vanguard always, transforming complex organizations to meet and exceed their goals, anticipate community needs and realize a strong future rooted in a foundation of service and community.”
“Katherine Farley has been a truly transformative leader of Lincoln Center and through her work has enhanced the lives of New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world,” Swartz said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Katherine, our extraordinary CEO Henry Timms and our great Lincoln Center team, Board and constituent organizations to forge the next chapter for this vital New York institution.”
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is under the direction of president and CEO Henry Timms.
