New President and CEO for the Center for the Arts

Jon Loos is the new president and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Midland Center for the Arts.  Loos has worked at the MCFTA since 2017 first serving as the Vice-President of Operations and Guest Experience.  He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in November 2020. Loos has been serving as the interim head of the organization since Terri Trotter left earlier this year after a six-year tenure.
The Center of Possibility
Mark Flegenheirmer, the chair of the Center Board’s executive search committee, says, "Our search, led by Chicago-based Koya Partners, a nationally-recognized top executive search firm in the Arts and Culture space, was both extensive and thorough…Over sixty candidates were vetted, and our committee conducted numerous interviews with several highly qualified individuals.  In the end, we unanimously concluded that Jon Loos is, without question, the right leader to guide the Center into the future."

Loos has been leading the Center’s capital campaign for a $47 million renovation project. $42 million in commitments have been made. The groundbreaking is scheduled for late spring in 2023.  Other accomplishments include leading the initial cleanup and restoration following the 2020 flood.  In response to the COVI-19 virus, the Center hosted several vaccination clinics and outdoor performance spaces were developed.

The front entrance of the Center for the Arts has served as the front porch for outdoor programming in the age of COVID.
“Jon is undoubtedly the right CEO for the Center at this critical moment in our history,” says Board Chair Lisa Ungerleider.  “He brings to the role his proven track record of success, bold vision, and rock-solid leadership as we emerge from what has been a period of challenges and transition.  He is a big picture thinker and strategist with boundless energy, and is driven by a passion for innovation and collaboration.  Jon’s skilled leadership will guide us into the exciting times ahead, and will empower the Center to serve our region in bold and compelling new ways as our second half-century begins.”

Loos has over 25 years of experience in the field with positions in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Atlanta, Georgia. He’s active in the Midland community outside the Center. He’s a decorated Air Force veteran and is often seen grilling hamburgers at the Sanford American Legion Post 443 during Tuesday evening fundraisers.  Loos serves on the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Community Success Panel, and as a sustainability contributor with the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance.  Jon is the proud father of three grown children and recently welcomed his first grandchild to the family.