(Friday, March 28, 2008 ) San Jose, CA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marie LoPresto named to Ballet San Jose Governing Board of Trustees

Ballet San Jose has announced the appointment of Marie LoPresto of Saratoga to the Board of Governing Trustees of the premiere South Bay arts organization. LoPresto will join Board Chair John C. Fry and current Board members Sigrun Corrigan, Kathryn J. Kolder, Anita Del Grande, J. Michael Fulton and Founder/Chair-Emeritus Karen Loewenstern.  The Board of Governing Trustees is responsible for the fiduciary governance of the Ballet.

LoPresto was previously a member of the Ballet’s Operating Board, having served since 2002.  She continues her work as Chair of the Operating Board’s Ballet San Jose School Committee, a role she has filled since 2000.  The non-profit school’s current enrollment exceeds 350 students and operates year-round.  Her other responsibilities for Ballet San Jose have included Chair for the 2001 Gala, Co-Chair for the 2002 Gala, Co-Chair for the 2006 School Fashion Show, Live Auction Chair for numerous galas and events, and a member of the Nutcracker Opening Night Celebrations for 2006 and 2007.  She is also a member of the 2008 Capital Club Fundraising Committee (benefiting Ballet San Jose) and Chair of the 2008 School Fashion Show and Luncheon slated for April 10th...an event that is already completely sold out.

Other community involvement includes volunteer work for San Jose Symphony, American Heart Association, Villa Montalvo, and the Humane Society.  LoPresto received the Silicon Valley Charity Ball “Volunteer of the Year” Award for her work publicizing their 1999 and 2000 events.

LoPresto retired in 1996 after 24 years with IBM Corporation.  She is married to Robert L. LoPresto with three children, and is the proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  An avid Bridge player, she is also a member of a Bible study group, and an organizer for an international hiking group, having hiked in five countries.  She competed as Miss Iowa in the 1965 Miss America Pageant.  

Dennis Nahat, Artistic/Executive Director of Ballet San Jose had this to say about LoPresto’s appointment.  “Marie is one of the most loyal and steadfast contributors this organization has ever had.  She has a great work ethnic and a true love of our company...qualities that are so necessary for a board member to succeed.   She is a great asset to our community and we welcome her.”