Lerner hires two key leadership changes
ELKHART — The city of Elkhart has had two major leadership changes for The Lerner Theatre.
Carl Thompson has been appointed as the new general manager and Robert 'Bob' Garcia as the director of Events and Finance.
'This was a deliberate and thorough process,' said Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson. 'We were committed to finding individuals with the expertise, passion, and vision to uphold The Lerner's legacy and to continue its growth in line with my administration's priorities. We are thrilled to welcome Carl and Bob to Elkhart.'
Thompson brings a dynamic blend of arts leadership, strategic marketing and community engagement to his new role as general manager, a statement from the city reads.
With over two decades of experience in the performing arts, Thompson has demonstrated a strong commitment to making artistic programming more accessible and enriching to diverse audiences, the statement reads. Most recently, he served as marketing and programming coordinator at Palomar College in San Marcos, California, where he led initiatives that significantly boosted attendance through strategic advertising and grassroots outreach. His prior 16-year tenure with The Nederlander Organization saw him rise to director of Marketing & Business Development for Broadway San Diego, managing high-profile Broadway tours and forging key media and sponsor partnerships.
Thompson also served as general manager for regional touring divisions and was director of Marketing for Knoxville Opera, where he helped launch the acclaimed Rossini Festival. He holds a Master of Science in Communications from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of Memphis. Thompson is also an experienced educator in communications and media.
'I am thrilled and truly grateful for this amazing opportunity to serve the Elkhart community and join the team during this centennial celebration,' Thompson said. 'I look forward to sharing the story of The Lerner Theatre as we write a new and exciting chapter together filled with world-class performances.'
Bob Garcia is a seasoned entertainment industry executive with a career spanning more than four decades, producing and managing some of the nation's most iconic live events and venues, the city's announcement reads. Garcia's early career began at Florida Atlantic University and flourished during his 17 years at Radio City Music Hall Productions, where he led the finance division and line produced legendary events including six Super Bowl Halftime shows and concerts for artists like Frank Sinatra, U2 and Madonna.
He continued this trajectory as VP of Entertainment Finance at Madison Square Garden Company, overseeing operations across seven premier venues, including The Chicago Theatre and The Forum in LA. His portfolio includes leadership roles on events like the VMAs, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, and benefit concerts. Garcia later served as CFO for Running Subway, producing acclaimed exhibits and shows like 'The Art of the Brick' and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.' Most recently, Garcia held leadership roles at nonprofit theaters in New York, Ohio and Florida, including the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, where he provided oversight for artist contracts, Broadway settlements, and budget operations. With deep experience in both artistic programming and fiscal stewardship, Garcia is poised to play a vital role in expanding The Lerner's event offerings and operational excellence, the statement reads.
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