Two decades ago, visionary and Founding Donor Jim Pugh set out to build one of the greatest performing arts centers in the world. Today, following the completion of the building in downtown Orlando, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announces Pugh’s retirement as Chairman of the Board of Directors, closing out a 19-year tenure.
With his official status moving from Chairman to Chair Emeritus effective immediately, long-standing member and 28-year Orlando resident Ed Timberlake has been appointed Chairman for a two-year term. With his first assignment, Timberlake has appointed accomplished businesswoman Sibille Pritchard as Vice Chair.
To kick off Pugh’s last Board meeting on June 30th, long-time friend and donor Neal Dempsey announced a $1 million donation to the arts center to honor Pugh’s legacy through the support of different initiatives and education programs. Board Member and community leader Irving Matthews also announced a $1.2 million gift to go toward the arts center’s phase 2 construction.
“Jim led the design and construction, established a successful business and influenced a thriving culture, and we are so thankful for his leadership. His retirement signals the next phase of our journey under a growing diverse, experienced and well-respected Board of Directors. Together we will further the vision of Arts For Every Life ®, complete the master plan for the 9-acre property and continue positioning the arts center as a global destination,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO at Dr. Phillips Center.
“I’m thankful to everyone who put their hard-earned money, time and effort into this project, and most importantly, for showing how philanthropy can positively impact a community. I’m elated for Ed and Sibille, who have been remarkably engaged and supportive members of the Board. I believe they have the qualities and drive to lead this organization with the same standard of excellence as when we started,” said Pugh.
Ed Timberlake, a member of the Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors since 2005, has served as Board and Executive Committee member, Chair Finance Committee, Treasurer and Compensation Committee member throughout his tenure. Sibille Pritchard is a Dr. Phillips Center board member, whose business accomplishments and expertise as well as her passion for the arts contribute to numerous organizations within the Central Florida community. She serves as the chair of the Orlando Ballet’s building committee, International Drive Business Improvement District and Global Connections Foundations at UCF.
“This is an incredible opportunity to honor Pugh’s legacy by ensuring the success of the organization for future generations. We intend to continue reinforcing the arts center as a source of pride, an economic engine and a diverse and inclusive place for our entire region to enjoy,” said Timberlake.
“Jim’s commitment to arts and culture has impacted Orange County tremendously. His leadership at the Dr. Phillips Center and throughout our community will impact our residents and visitors for many years to come. I’m proud to have served as a Board Member at the arts center during his time as Chair and grateful for his efforts to bring a state of the art venue to our region,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
While the 2020-21 season came with many unique challenges brought on by the pandemic, the arts center was able to complete the original design of the building with the opening of Steinmetz Hall in January 2022–-a dream 20 years in the making, paving the way for Pugh’s retirement. The next generation, acoustically perfect, 1,464–1,770-seat venue is one of the greatest concert halls in the world, elevating Central Florida’s status as a cultural and entertainment destination beyond the parks. It has a unique ability to transform in shape, seating and size to accommodate multiple arts forms both amplified and unamplified, including opera and dance, and it attracts regional, national and international artists to the region.
Still to come is a dynamic music room called Judson’s, a gift from Joyce & Judson Green, which will offer cabaret-style seating for intimate, live entertainment. The arts center is also revisiting its master plan to reimagine a permanent design for the Frontyard Festival™ space, a safe, outdoor entertainment venue that brought 6,000+ people back to work and more than 100,000+ guests out of their homes during the most challenging months of the pandemic.
“For decades, Jim has been committed to ensuring that Orlando has a world-class performing arts center,” added City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Thanks to his tireless efforts, the Dr. Phillips Center is a showcase of the power of the arts to make a meaningful impact in the lives of all who call our city home. I’m grateful for Jim’s contributions on the board of directors and know that he’ll continue to be a champion for arts and culture in our community.”
Jim Pugh, the founding donor of the Dr. Phillips Center from 2003-2022, and his wife, Alexis, have been lead developers in creating the arts center since its opening in November 2014. Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater, honorably named after their efforts, support the collective vision of enriching the community through Arts For Every Life ®. Additionally, Pugh is a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
