Executive shuffle at O.C. arts center

The Orange County Performing Arts Center’s leadership is in transition, but with familiar faces still there, as it pushes toward the September 2006 opening of a new concert hall across the street. After eight years as president, Jerry E. Mandel began a two-year assignment Friday to concentrate on fundraising for the $200-million expansion. Since that campaign began in 1999, it has raised $126.9 million.

Judith O’Dea Morr, the center’s longtime programming chief, will serve as interim president during the search for a successor to Mandel. She was interim president for nearly a year before he was hired in 1997. In addition, Michael S. Gordon, an investment company executive and past chairman of the Pacific Symphony, has been designated to succeed Paul F. Folino as chairman of the board.

Mike Boehm