Arts Foundation Seeks New Leader

The fund-raising arm of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is looking for a new boss to replace Phyllis Cortese.

Cortese, who recently resigned, will continue leading the arts center’s foundation until Nov. 1, said David Ralphe, general manager of the cultural arts center. Cortese will be moving with her family to Connecticut, where her husband has a new job, Ralphe said.

Cortese was on the foundation’s board of directors for four years and was its executive director for more than two years. She has raised about $150,000, Ralphe said.

“She’s done an effective job and stabilized the foundation,” he said.

Simi Valley Mayor Bill Davis also praised Cortese. “We hate to lose her, but I can understand if her husband has an outstanding job offer somewhere else,” he said. “She’s done a really great job.”