LOS ANGELES, CA—The Skirball Cultural Center announced that Sheri Bernstein has been named museum director starting July 21, 2021. Bernstein formerly held the position of vice president of education and visitor experience and served as project director of the children’s and family destination Noah’s Ark at the Skirball. She succeeds Robert Kirschner, who served as director since 2008.
The Skirball also announced that Reuben J. Sanchez has been named chief financial officer. He will be responsible for developing and leading financial and investment management strategies for the center. Most recently, Sanchez served as regional vice president of finance at Live Nation (North America Concerts Division).
Additionally, Pamela Kohanchi has been named senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. She will oversee and advance the institution’s legal and governance framework, government relations and talent and culture. Kohanchi joins the Skirball after twelve years at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where she was deputy general counsel. Sanchez and Kohanchi assumed their Skirball positions on April 26.
“As we celebrate our twenty-fifth anniversary and look to the challenges and opportunities before us, I am thrilled to welcome [these] brilliant talents to leadership roles focused on deepening our commitment to the community,” Jessie Kornberg, Skirball president and CEO, said.
The Skirball Cultural Center is a place guided by the Jewish tradition of welcoming the stranger and the American democratic ideals of freedom and equality. They welcome people of all communities and generations to participate in cultural experiences that celebrate discovery and hope, foster human connections and build a more just society.
Harvey Farr is a local community reporter for the Jewish Journal.
