[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 199 (Wednesday, December 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CAREER AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF ARTS ADVOCATE, JUDY LISI

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                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 21, 2022

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
career and contributions of Judy Lisi, a fierce leader in the Tampa 
arts community. After 30 years serving as CEO and President of Tampa's 
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, the largest 
performing arts hall in the Southeastern United States, I congratulate 
and thank Judy for the incredible impact she has had on Tampa's 
cultural landscape.
  Judy began her career with the Straz Center in 1992, just 5 years 
after the venue first opened its doors in downtown Tampa. She took on 
the opportunity to lead the performing arts center as she saw the great 
potential it held in advancing Tampa's arts scene and bringing together 
a community. Before her arrival in Tampa, Judy worked at the Shuber 
Theater in New Haven, Connecticut, just 2 hours away from New York 
City's Broadway stages. A Juilliard-trained soprano, Judy was able to 
apply her expertise and experience towards her ambitions for the Straz 
Center. Within her first year as President and CEO, Judy brought in a 
20 percent increase in attendance at the venue, and her passion and 
determination led to continued growth from there. Throughout her 
tenure, she doubled the venue's number of stages, founded the Opera 
Tampa company and led production for original plays, including the 
musical ``Wonderland,'' which made its way from Tampa to Broadway. 
Outside of theater, Judy grew the Straz's program offerings to include 
countless standup comedians and musicians over the years. From Tito 
Puente to Taylor Swift, Judy brought in a variety of performers to 
demonstrate the constant evolution of art and to share that excitement 
with so many members of our community. Judy also oversaw the creation 
of the Straz's Patel Conservatory, a performing arts training 
institution that offers opportunities for all ages and interests. The 
conservatory provides a safe space where students can receive various 
forms of performing arts education and encouragement to pursue their 
own artistic interests.
  Judy's work has not only contributed towards people's engagement with 
the Straz Center, but with downtown Tampa. Today our neighbors can see 
a show at the Straz Center, stroll along the riverwalk or view the most 
recent exhibit at the Tampa Museum of Art, among many other landmarks. 
It is because of the determination and commitment of leaders like Judy 
that our community is able to take full advantage of Tampa's culture 
and history.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors in Tampa Bay and the 
citizens of Florida, I am proud to honor Judy Lisi for her dedication 
to arts education. We are immensely grateful for her leadership and 
service and wish her all the best in her retirement. Judy's legacy will 
be appreciated by and inspire many in the arts community, from Tampa to 
Broadway, for years to come.

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