HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Rozsa Center is excited to announce the selection of Kiersten Birondo as its new Executive Director, effective November 1, 2024.
Birondo, who has served as the Rozsa’s Marketing Manager for the past three seasons, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts to this leadership role. As a 5th generation Yooper, Houghton High School and Michigan Tech alum, and an active member in the theatre and music community throughout her career, Birondo has a strong connection to the Rozsa Center and has witnessed firsthand the positive impact the Rozsa has on the region.
“Since it opened in 2000, I have loved the Rozsa from every angle,” said Birondo. “As a performer, audience member, auntie introducing my niece to the performing arts, and staff member, the Rozsa has been the foundation of my artistic life and the catalyst of my professional one.”
In her role as Executive Director, Birondo will oversee all aspects of the Rozsa Center’s operations and will work closely with the university to implement strategic plans for the future including continued work with its mission of sustainability and accessibility.
“I know the impact this organization can have on one person and our entire community,” Birondo continues, “I am outrageously excited and honored to be chosen to lead the Rozsa into next year’s 25th anniversary and beyond, continuing to imagine innovative ways for the Rozsa to serve the campus and community.”
Birondo replaces former Director Mary Jennings, who served the organization from 2014 through April 2024. Today’s announcement is the successful conclusion to the nationwide five-month Executive Director search conducted by a search committee led by Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Jared Anderson.
“Kiersten’s passion for the arts, coupled with her experience in arts administration, strong leadership skills, and deep understanding of nearly every aspect of the Rozsa, make her the ideal candidate for this position,” said Jared Anderson, Chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts which houses the Rozsa Center. “We are confident that under her leadership, the Rozsa will thrive and continue to serve as a vital cultural asset for our campus and community. We are so excited for her leadership as we prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Rozsa Center next year.”
Prior to joining the Rozsa Center, Birondo served as Director of Marketing and Communications for SteppingStone Theatre for Youth in St. Paul, MN, and co-founded Now. Make. Art., a Minnesota-based organization that collaborates with community entities like libraries and parks to provide free, youth-centric, multi-generational arts experiences in public spaces. Her experience in the arts has given her a unique perspective on the importance of supporting the creative community.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the five-month executive director search,” says Anderson. “Thank you to the community members who invested their time and energy into our future, and to the staff who went above and beyond to maintain our operations during this process. I am grateful for the work of the search committee that helped attract a pool of very qualified applicants. The committee’s insights were invaluable in the process of selecting the new Rozsa Executive Director.”
The Rozsa Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting a diverse range of visual and performing arts and supporting local productions of the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Michigan Tech. The Rozsa Center is located on the campus of Michigan Technological University and, as the largest professional performing arts theater in the Upper Peninsula, serves as a cultural hub for its community.
