The Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) has appointmented Palmer Jackson, Jr. as executive chairman. Jackson will be working alongside Caren Rager, who was named the Chrisman executive director and president in 2018.

Having served as chairman of the board for SBCPA, which owns and operates The Granada Theatre, for the past two years, Jackson brings such experience to the organization as an extensive background in fundraising, marketing and entrepreneurship.

The new role will enable the organization to continue to expand the Granada’s impact as a valuable home to its resident companies, and a leading cultural arts organization providing exceptional programming to the community.

Jackson is currently leading the fundraising efforts for two major initiatives that will improve the experience of theatergoers. One is The Plaza Granada project, a major renovation of the paseo between the Granada Garage and State Street that will include a new mural designed by local artists.

Jackson is also leading the work to install a new, cutting-edge sound system for amplified performances designed by world-renowned sound engineer and music producer Allen Sides.

“Palmer has done a great job leading the board over the past two years. We are excited that he has decided to deepen his connection to the theater by making it his primary focus,” said Dan Burnham, SBCPA trustee, and past chairman.

— Jennifer Zacharias for The Granada Theatre.