The Granada Theatre’s Board of Directors is excited to welcome two new members to its board. One is new to the Santa Barbara community, and the other is a long-time community philanthropist who was instrumental in The Granada’s restoration.
“We are so excited to welcome Anne Towbes and Nicole Wester to our Board,” said Palmer Jackson Jr., Board Chairman and CEO at The Granada. “Anne’s deep roots with The Granada and her commitment to continuing the legacy of her late husband, Michael Towbes, who played a pivotal role in the theater’s history, make her an invaluable addition. Nicole’s fresh perspective and financial expertise will be instrumental in shaping the organization’s future. “
Anne Towbes
Without Anne and Michael Towbes, The Granada as we know and love it wouldn’t exist. The Towbes were part of the team that brought the historic theater back to its former glory in 2008. Although Michael passed in 2017, Anne has continued to champion The Granada, now as a new board member.
“This was Michael’s most beloved project. His role in the restoration of the theater was beyond encompassing,” said Towbes. “He always said, ‘We have one chance to do this right. Let’s build the theater to last for over 100 more years.’ I’m honored to be asked to be more involved with The Granada as a new board member.”
Towbes is excited to gain a deeper understanding of The Granada’s inner workings and play a role in shaping the next 100 years of its history.
“I look forward to supporting programming and exploring ways to further serve the broader community,” she said. “I have been involved and in love with the performing arts all my life. I was a theater arts, speech, and English teacher for over 20 years and did a small bit of performing myself. The theater is my happy place.”
Towbes also sees her role on the Board as a way to keep Michael’s spirit alive.
“I look at it through the lens of ‘What would Michael do?’,” she said. “I’m certain he would want to involve other arts organizations to work together to improve and continue to expand all the performing arts in Santa Barbara.”
With her long history with The Granada, it can be hard to pinpoint a specific moment that stands out, but one that holds a special place in Towbes’ heart is her husband’s 80th birthday party, which he insisted be a fundraiser for the theater. Towbes and other family members, along with their friends presented “Michael Towbes, The Musical” at the rotunda of the former Fess Parker Resort. The 2009 celebration raised around $800,000 for The Granada.
“I hope the folks who walk through the doors of The Granada will feel the spirit of awe and joy that Michael felt and that I continue to feel,” said Towbes. “The renovation was a huge project, and I know Michael continues to bless everything and everyone involved with this wonderful place.”
Nicole Wester
Nicole Wester might be new to Santa Barbara, but she’s not new to philanthropy. Wester applied her MBA and her strong organizational, financial, and governance experience to arts and community organizations in Baton Rouge. She moved to Santa Barbara a year ago when her husband became CEO of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
“I have loved the performing arts since I was a child. We would attend performances at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans,” said Wester. “When we toured Santa Barbara, one of the first things we saw was The Granada, and its history reminded me of the Saenger. Once we moved here, I learned more about The Granada and saw what a great facility it is and how it is the center of State Street and the arts community.”
While Wester is still learning about the community, she’s excited to bring a new perspective to the Board.
“I think it is nice to have new eyes with new perspectives to bring new ideas,” she said. “One of my volunteer commitments that I most enjoyed was with the Baton Rouge Symphony League and working on programming and opportunities for high school-aged children. I enjoy introducing a younger audience to the arts.”
Wester is also excited to learn as much as she can from the long-standing members of the Board. With her background in finance, she is keen to ensure The Granada’s financial stability, introduce new audiences to the theater, and keep The Granada at the center of the arts community in Santa Barbara.