Kyle Clausen joined Brannan Center as its Executive Director on July 1, 2024 where he designed and implemented the operational structure and strategy leading up to the organization's opening in October 2025. Throughout his career spanning more than 20 years, first as a musician, subsequently as an executive leader, he developed a love for tackling big, systemic challenges and helping build strong, confident organizations. His leadership posts have included nonprofit, governmental and university-based organizations: Managing Director of Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Deputy Director of the Marin Center (County of Marin), General Manager in the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, Director of Marketing & Patron Services at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, and Executive Director of Boston Court Pasadena, an arts center in the Los Angeles area where he led the organization through a period of significant transition, developed a new staffing structure, increased both earned and contributed revenue, grew the organization’s audience and brought the organization’s budget into balance. Clausen has served as a grants panelist for the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the LA Arts Recovery Fund at the California Community Foundation and Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Originally hailing from the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, he also is an accomplished musician, having begun his career as a music director, pianist and conductor with more than 40 theatrical productions numerous concerts and musical events to his credit.
