Pasadena Symphony & POPS Chief Executive Officer Lora Unger Resigns

Pasadena Symphony & POPS Chief Executive Officer Lora Unger has resigned to accept the position of Executive Director of the Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) in Bellevue Washington, effective May 1, according to an emailed announcement sent by the Pasadena Symphony & POPS on Monday.

Unger joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer in 2009 and was promoted to CEO in 2014.

The email said Unger’s knowledge and leadership have guided the Pasadena Symphony & POPS through a period of expansive artistic and institutional growth, with the orchestra performing to audiences of over 50,000 each year, and the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras serving more than 800 students.

The unsigned email called the announcement “bittersweet” and said the Pasadena Symphony Board of Directors expressed pride in Unger as she takes on this new role, and credited her for the Pasadena Symphony & POPS success over her 14-year tenure.

The Board of Directors also was quoted as saying they will cherish their time working with Lora and wish her continued success.

The announcement said the Board is working on a transition plan that will be announced shortly.