Charles de L’Arbre has been named the new president of the Lobero Theatre Foundation Board.

De L’Arbre is CEO of Santa Barbara Travel Bureau, a family company started in 1947. He has had a long association with both theater and the Lobero. De L’Arbre formerly enjoyed a career as a stage actor and voice-over artist, performing in several shows on the Lobero stage and reading a number of times for Speaking of Stories.

Before becoming its president, de L’Arbre served 20 years on the Lobero Board, spanning two tenures starting in 1976 to present.

He has served as an officer on the boards of the Santa Barbara Playhouse, Ensemble Theatre Company, The Music Academy, and UCSB Drama Affiliates, and was a volunteer firefighter for 12 years.

De L’Arbre’s wife Barbara also has served as a past Lobero Board member and is currently an active member of The Lobero Associates, a women’s auxiliary group that has raised more than a $1 million for the Lobero over the last five decades.

As the Lobero has played such a significant and historic role in the cultural life of Santa Barbara over a 150-year period, De L’Arbre said he is impressed by the fact that it remains a vibrant force. He credits the team that keeps the building alive, technically up to date, and filled with artists. This includes the staff, board and volunteers, as well as individual contributors and supporting foundations.

He said he felt honored to serve under three former board presidents, Jeff Devine, Amy MacLeod and Steve Hayes, who brought consistency and vision to the foundation.

During that time, a capital campaign raised $7 million to renovate the theater.

De L’Arbre said he is hopeful the Lobero can partner with other community arts organizations in expanding their range of presentations.