USA - ESTA has named Erin Grabe to succeed executive director Lori Rubinstein in what is expected to be a year-long transition. Erin is currently ESTA’s assistant technical standards manager and part of the transition involves replacing her in that role.
Erin has been working in technical production in live events since the age of 15, including nine years working for Grand Stage Company as a sales associate, purchasing agent, and project manager. Following that, Erin worked as a freelance lighting technician and board operator for corporate and private events while pursuing a Bachelor of Technology degree in Entertainment Technology at New York City College of Technology.
Erin began as an intern with ESTA's Technical Standards Program in October of 2012, working as a scribe for some of the task groups writing American National Standards. In early 2013, Erin joined the staff as assistant technical standards manager, working very closely with manager Karl Ruling. Shortly thereafter, she incorporated administration of ESTA’s association management database into her daily responsibilities. Through these duties she has interfaced with ESTA’s staff on all of the association's key programmes and initiatives.
ESTA president, Jules Lauve, states, “Erin has the full support of ESTA’s Board of Directors. We have total faith and confidence in Erin and her capacity to shoulder these new responsibilities.”
Lori Rubinstein reflects, “Thirty years after helping to found the organisation and 28 years after becoming the first employee, it’s time for a new generation to lead the association. I have been wanting for some time to be able to put my full focus on the Behind the Scenes charity, which is at a critical stage in its growth. I will still be very involved in the industry and will continue to attend trade shows and other events – I’ll just be wearing one hat instead of two.”
(Jim Evans)

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