The McCallum Theatre has announced a major leadership addition as President and CEO Yvonne Bell appoints Eric Sims as the organization’s new Chief Programming and Operating Officer, a role he will officially assume on August 10, 2026. The appointment marks a significant step in the theatre’s continued evolution as one of the Coachella Valley’s premier cultural institutions.
Bell praised Sims’ long‑standing excellence in the performing arts industry, noting their nearly two decades of collaboration dating back to their time at Center Theatre Group (CTG) in Los Angeles. “Attracting leaders of Eric’s caliber is essential to our future,” Bell said, emphasizing his deep experience, expansive professional network, and commitment to creating transformative arts experiences for the community.
Sims brings more than 25 years of production, programming, and operational leadership across Los Angeles venues ranging from the intimate 77‑seat Powerhouse Theatre to the 2,100‑seat Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center. His portfolio includes acclaimed productions such as A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant, Val Kilmer’s Citizen Twain, What the Constitution Means to Me, and pre‑Broadway runs of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, as well as the international hit Paranormal Activity.
Since joining CTG in 2005, Sims has held roles spanning print production, marketing, theatre operations, audience engagement, rentals, community relations, and general management. Following the pandemic shutdown, he oversaw more than 40 productions at the Ahmanson and Kirk Douglas Theatres, in addition to managing CTG’s annual Gala at the Mark Taper Forum.
Beyond his artistic leadership, Sims is deeply rooted in community service. He has served as Vice President and President of the Culver City Downtown Business Association, Co‑Chair of the Culver City Arts Foundation, and Co‑Chair of the LAStage Alliance Ovation Rules Committee. During the pandemic, he co‑founded Feed Culver, providing more than 50,000 meals to residents in need while supporting local restaurants.
Sims now brings this blend of artistic vision, operational expertise, and community‑driven leadership to the McCallum Theatre as it expands its impact across the Coachella Valley.