Bob Johnson has announced that he will step down from his role as Executive Director of the Paramount Center for the Arts (PCA). He plans to leave his role at the PCA on Aug. 31, 2023. Johnson came to the Paramount in January 2015 after 44 years in health care, first as an Administrative Director at the Michigan Heart Institute in Ann Arbor and then in 1992 as Executive Director of what is now the CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center in St. Cloud.
Johnson, 74, calls his time at the Paramount a gift. “Whether staff, the Board of Directors, artists, performers, volunteers or the public, I have been inspired by so many and their love of art and entertainment and recognition of its importance in our lives. This is a tough decision, but it is time for a change for the organization and for me.”
During his tenure at the PCA, Johnson was responsible for a number of notable achievements including a successful fundraising campaign to replace the 804 seats in the theatre; continued growth of the organizations’ fund balance, including securing a multi-million dollar gift that will provide access to the arts for many, and stabilize the art center’s future for years to come; leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic; organizing a year-long celebration of the theatre’s 100th anniversary, including a new public art piece “Write On;” and continued personal involvement throughout the community, connecting the art center with the people it serves.
Between now and August, the Executive Committee of the PCA’s Board of Directors will consider its options for Johnson’s replacement. Johnson plans to continue his involvement in the community as the Chair of the Downtown Alliance, Board member of the Good Earth Food Co-Op, and Trustee at the Cathedral of St. Mary.
The mission of the Paramount Center for the Arts, located in downtown St. Cloud is to provide opportunities for artistic production, creative exploration, arts education and the enjoyment of arts and entertainment throughout Central Minnesota and beyond. The Paramount Center for the Arts includes an 800-seat historic theatre – which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021 – plus more than 8,500 square feet of visual arts studios, three gallery spaces and a Gift Gallery featuring works for sale by more than 80 local artists. More at ParamountArts.org.