Judith Lisi
Judith Lisi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, was honored as our 2018 Person of Vision on February 19, 2018 at the Tampa Airport Marriott.
Judith Lisi joined the Straz Center in 1992. Through her leadership, the Straz Center has significantly expanded its programming, established financial stability, retired an accumulated debt, and has met the goals of three five-year, long-range plans. Lisi’s arts management philosophy includes a belief in, and a commitment to, the community and to ensuring outreach, accessibility, and audience development for the entire community through multicultural and educational programming.
Lisi has directed more than 40 productions and has written six plays. She holds a Master’s Degree in theater and communication arts from St. Louis University and has done doctoral work in theater at the University of Minnesota. She studied opera at the Juilliard School of Music and with the Metropolitan Opera. Previously, as Executive Director of the prestigious Shubert Performing Arts Center in New Haven, Connecticut, the Shubert enjoyed artistic and financial success.
In May 2002, the League of American Theatres and Producers honored Lisi with the Samuel J. L’ Hommedieu Presenter of the Year Award for “bringing the magic of live theater to thousands of area residents through a variety of audience development and education programs.”
In January 2008, Lisi received the prestigious Patrick Hayes Award for Lifetime Achievement from ISPA, the International Society for the Performing Arts.
Preserve Vision Florida hosts the annual dinner to honor a person of vision who has had a profound impact on the region or state of Florida through true community leadership and vision.
Previous honorees have included Joseph W. Lopano, Chief Executive Officer of Tampa International Airport (2017); Tampa Maybor Bob Buckhorn (2016); Jeff and Penny Vinik (2015); Betty Castor and US Representative Kathy Castor (2014); and many other luminaries.
