KATHERINE RAMSBERGER

PRESIDENT & CEO, DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, ORLANDO

Ramsberger joined the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in 2003. The center welcomes more than 735,000 guests annually and provides arts education to more than 535,000 students. The center employs 148 full-time and 160 part-time staff. The center’s Steinmetz Hall, which has an acoustically perfect N1 sound rating, is the only venue of its kind in the world. The organization opened its fifth venue, Judson’s Live, in February 2024.

EDUCATION: Florida State University (BS)

MENTOR: Great cities are built by great philanthropists, visionaries and volunteers like our former chairman, Jim Pugh. An admired community leader and businessman, he was one of the main driving forces behind bringing a performing arts center to Orlando in addition to our innovative, entrepreneurial and determined board of directors.

READING: A Message to Garcia, by Elbert Hubbard. This book was shared with me many years ago by longtime business leader and arts center donor, the late Harvey Massey, another admired mentor.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: My Dad, Captain Westbrock — a true top gun Navy aviator and veteran. The late Harvey Massey, a treasured community and business leader, philanthropist and arts center supporter. He was a north star for many of us as his words led us, actions inspired us, and presence fulfilled us. His principles left lasting impressions to be a better person in every way.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: Commit to excellence. Choose optimism.