Artist Series Concerts executive director is stepping down

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota announced that Executive Director Keren Shani-Lifrak is departing after about a year in the job.

In a statement, the Artist Series Concerts board of trustees thanked Shani-Lifrak for her service, expressed its appreciation for her contributions to the organization and wished her success in her future endeavors.

Shani-Lifrak joined Artist Series Concerts in May 2025, succeeding Marcy Miller, who retired as the head of the arts organization that presents about 25 concert programs a year. 

Lifrak has more than 25 years of experience in performing arts, nonprofit management, event production, marketing and development in Sarasota, New York and Tel Aviv. As director of marketing for IMG Artists and director of development for IMG Academy, she worked with world-renowned artists such as violinist Itzhak Perlman and the Joffrey Ballet, as well as top athletes.

During her tenure at Artist Series Concerts, Shani-Lifrak introduced several initiatives that strengthened the organization’s community engagement, including a free family-friendly concert at The Bay. She also helped cultivate donor relationships that supported the continued growth of Artist Series Concerts.

While Artist Series Concerts conducts a regional search for a new executive director, its board and staff leadership will work together to ensure a transition and the continued excellence of the organization’s operations and programs.

Board Chair Cyndi Mumm said in a statement: “Our patrons, donors and community partners can be confident that Artist Series Concerts remains firmly committed to its mission of presenting exceptional musical performances while supporting the next generation of artists through education, outreach and scholarship. We look forward to building on our strong foundation as we begin this next chapter.”

The predecessor organization to Artist Series Concerts was conceived in 1996 by co-founders Jerold Ross and Lee Dougherty Ross with the aim of promoting excellence in live musical performance and championing emerging artists.

During its three decades in existence, Artist Series Concerts has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships to promising young musicians and enriched the community through hundreds of educational programs in local schools.