On behalf of the Nonprofit Practice at DHR Global, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Juan José Escalante as Executive Director of GableStage.

Juan José brings more than three decades of nonprofit performing arts management experience. Most recently, as Executive Director of Miami City Ballet, he led the development of a comprehensive strategic plan and partnered with the City of Miami Beach and property management to open a new residence hall, while laying the groundwork for a major renovation of the company’s headquarters. Throughout his career – spanning institutions like National Dance Institute, José Limón Dance Foundation, El Museo Del Barrio, Orlando Ballet, Ballet Florida, and New York City Ballet – Juan José has demonstrated strengths in relationship-building, advocacy, and financial stewardship, while expertly partnering with and championing artists.

Juan José holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Herbert H. Lehman College (CUNY), an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix, and has completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School. He is the current Board Chair of Dance/USA.

A resident of Coral Gables, Juan José brings decades of familiarity with Miami and a vast local network. This experience will be invaluable as GableStage prepares to expand onto the site of the former Coconut Grove Playhouse. In his new role, Juan José will partner with the Producing Artistic Director, staff, and Board of Trustees to scale the organization to become the primary operator of a new 30,000-square-foot theater being developed by Miami-Dade County.

“Juan José brings an extraordinary combination of executive experience, financial acumen, and genuine love for this community,” said Board Chair Roz Stuzin. “We are thrilled to welcome him to GableStage at such an exciting moment in our history, and we are confident that his partnership with Bari, our staff, and the Board will propel this organization to extraordinary new heights.”

We are proud to have partnered with GableStage on this search. Juan José began his role on May 4, 2026.