The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) has announced the appointment of Shanna Higginbotham as its new executive director.

Higginbotham, a native of Lafayette, assumes the leadership role currently held by Jacqueline Lyle on January 3, 2011. Her professional experience includes over 18 years in various leadership roles with Cox Media, and most recently as the owner of Professional Consulting Partners.  As a consultant Shanna has focused on helping numerous companies in Louisiana and Texas markets identify problems, make recommendations and help with organizational development efforts. Her most recent appointment was as an internal consultant with Bizzuka, Inc.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to lead such a tremendous organization,” says Higginbotham.  “The tradition of PASA, and the many years of great performing arts in the community, is something I hold very dear.  My goal as executive director is to preserve what has been built by Jackie and her team, but to also begin to build a new and different organization that will continue to grow and solidify Lafayette’s reputation for its tremendous capacity for the arts.  I am so pleased and thankful that the board has allowed me this honor and look forward to serving the community for years to come.”

Higginbotham will be the second Executive Director in the organization’s history. Lyle, who is departing PASA to pursue personal interests, was a founding board member when the organization was founded in 1988.  In March 1989, she assumed the role of executive director and launched PASA’s first fundraising drive and its first season in July 1989.

 “Jackie has brought PASA from its earliest days as fledgling organization to the influential, respected organization that it is today.” says PASA Board President Don Johnson.  “Under her leadership, our community has enjoyed 22 years ofgreat performances.”

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana is a non-profit organization that presents live entertainment at the Heymann Performing Arts Center and other local venues, creates in-school arts activities, offers daytime performances for students and, initiates outreach programs such as the Hill Bonin Jr. Scholarship, PASA Stageside and Play It Again, Lafayette. PASA presents annual performances of opera, dance, drama and a variety of musical acts

 “Since my earliest memory, I have loved performing arts,” says Lyle. “I can’t imagine a better way that I could have spent the majority of my professional life.”