The LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Board of Directors announced on Monday the appointment of Tracy Serrano-Ruiz as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Serrano-Ruiz, who has served as chief of staff, steps into the leadership role with more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit and museum sector, according to La Plaza officials. They said she has played a key role in overseeing internal operations, strengthening governance and advancing the organization’s mission since its early years.
Former CEO Leticia Rhi Buckley’s tenure at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes ended Feb. 3 after the Board of Directors declined to renew her contract.
“The Board has full confidence in Tracy’s leadership during this time,” Board Chair Robert Villaseñor said in a statement. “She brings a deep understanding of the organization, a strong commitment to our mission, and the steady leadership needed to guide LA Plaza forward.”
Serrano-Ruiz said she was honored to take on the role and continue serving the community.
“LA Plaza holds a vital place in telling our stories and preserving our shared history. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, Board, and partners to ensure we remain a vibrant and welcoming space for all,” she said.
A Los Angeles native who was raised in Ontario and now lives in Riverside, Serrano-Ruiz is a first-generation Mexican American. Officials said she earned a bachelor’s degree in human communication with a concentration in Chicano studies from Cal State Monterey Bay.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a nonprofit cultural institution and Smithsonian affiliate museum that offers exhibitions and programs focused on Latinx history and culture in Los Angeles.