Springstep Announces New Executive Director

Springstep Announces New Executive Director
Libbie Shufro, former CEO and President of the Boston Center for the Arts, to begin in January.

Springstep, a nonprofit center for cultural dance and music in Medford Square, is proud to announce the appointment of Libbie Shufro as its new Executive Director. Following a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors announced their decision last week.

Ms. Shufro brings to Springstep a diverse background in arts administration, education, and economic development, as well as personal experience in dance. In her six years as CEO and President of the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA), located in the heart of Boston’s South End, she facilitated an unprecedented expansion of its campus, now encompassing the new Stanford Calderwood Theatre Pavilion (in partnership with the renowned Huntington Theatre) and The Beehive, a popular bistro bar and jazz café. The expansion integrated the BCA’s resident artists, diverse venues, and local businesses into a synergistic “urban cultural village,” dramatically increasing its public profile and engaging new audiences.

Ms. Shufro has been a longtime champion of the arts, and has served in a variety of capacities to promote the cultural nonprofit sector. Prior to the BCA, she served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Alliance where she worked to promote statewide cultural tourism and the role of cultural activity in urban development. As a bilingual educator in Boston and Chicago, Shufro has written curriculum to utilize the arts as a means of instruction, and spearheaded El Pueblo Nuevo, an organization that promotes Latino performing artists. As Vice President of External Affairs and Development at the YWCA Boston and at ACCION International, she diversified and increased funding through unique partnerships with the private sector.

Springstep, an award-winning arts center in Medford Square, opened its doors in 2003. The organization produces a wide variety of cultural events, classes, workshops, and social dances for adults, youth, and families. The building also houses an art gallery, which features rotating exhibits. In its short history Springstep has earned positive recognition for providing quality programming and a home for local arts organizations. Springstep has also forged strong partnerships with other community organizations including The Medford Family Network and Housing Families.

Ms. Shufro is excited to join this vibrant, emerging organization: “Springstep is a gem,” she notes. “It has a unique vision to build bridges to the arts, culture, and community and is a stunning facility with diverse performance and educational spaces. I look forward to working with Springstep’s committed board and staff to create a sense of connection – not only to its audiences, but to the streets and the city surrounding it.”

Springstep’s founder and Board Chair Deborah Hawkins echoed Ms. Shufro’s enthusiasm: “The board is thrilled to have Libbie’s leadership and guidance to help us achieve our next level of development. We are eager to deepen our community roots and expand our reach to Greater Boston and the New England region.”

Ms. Shufro, who will begin her new position in January, joins the Springstep community for a formal introduction at two upcoming events:

Thursday, January 15, 6–8pm
Springstep Gallery Opening Reception: The View from Here (New Work by Local Artists)
http://springstep.org/?q=programs/artgallery

Saturday, January 31, 8pm
Springstep Performance Series: Burning Down the House! (Scottish Music, Poetry, Dance & Whiskey Tasting)
http://springstep.org/?q=programs/performanceseries

For additional information, please contact:
Kerry Donahue
Manager of Marketing & Communications
Springstep
celebrating cultures and connecting people through dance + music
98 George P. Hassett Drive
Medford, MA 02155
781.395.0402 x209
781.395.0403 fax
www.springstep.org