TORONTO.- One of North America's top cultural leaders has been appointed the new Executive Director of Toronto's Koffler Centre of the Arts. Lori Starr, a long time museum executive based in Los Angeles, was recruited from her high-profile job as Senior Vice President of the Skirball Cultural Center and Director of the Skirball Museum to lead the Koffler Centre of the Arts and serve as the Vice President for Culture - a newly established position - for UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

One of the world's most dynamic cultural institutions, the Skirball Cultural Center is enjoyed by more than 500,000 visitors a year. Under Ms. Starr's tenure since 2001, the center doubled its membership, dramatically increased its education and outreach programs, and opened two new additions to the campus. It presents a broad repertoire of music, dance, theater, literary and film programs along with permanent and changing exhibitions for children and adults. Lori Starr was co-organizer of the Skirball's major international traveling exhibitions - Einstein in 2005, and Max Lieberman: From Realism to Impressionism in 2006.

Before joining the Skirball Cultural Center, Ms. Starr held senior management positions at the J. Paul Getty Museum and at the J. Paul Getty Trust for more than 15 years. As Director of Public Affairs, she led the communications and outreach effort that resulted in the successful opening and ongoing popularity of the Getty Center.

"The name 'Lori Starr' is synonymous with innovation, community engagement and growth," says Harold M. Williams, President Emeritus of the J. Paul Getty Trust. "Her move to Toronto is a great loss to Los Angeles but definitely Toronto's gain."

The Koffler Centre of the Arts, on Bathurst Street north of Sheppard, is a multifaceted arts centre devoted to building community through the arts. Specializing in arts education for the recreational artist, a diverse range of programs is presented in dance, music, and the visual arts. The Koffler is renowned for its concert series, and its gala, "Stars of the 21st Century," presenting the world's leading international artists in both music and dance.

The Koffler Gallery has established itself in Toronto as one of the premier public galleries presenting innovative exhibitions of Canadian and international contemporary art. In the literary realm, the centre is home to the Jewish Book Fair and the Stan and Helen Vine Canadian Jewish Book Awards. Through its varied programs, the centre engages a diverse audience across the many communities of the GTA.

"Lori is a star in more ways than one," says David Engel, Chairman of the UJA Federation board, which oversees the Koffler as one of its partner agencies. "She has an incredible track record of achievement in forging partnerships between cultural institutions and their communities. We know she will do great things for the Koffler Centre and, by extension, for the city of Toronto overall."

Lori Starr's arrival brings her into the planning for the Koffler Centre's dramatic redevelopment, which is slated to begin in 2008. The Koffler Centre of the Arts will be rebuilt at its current location as the "jewel in the crown" of an entirely redeveloped campus - Central Square – featuring cultural, heritage, recreational and educational services.

"This is a very exciting time for us. Lori will provide strong leadership to the Koffler Centre as we pursue our new development plans. Toronto is experiencing a cultural renaissance, and with Lori's vision the Koffler Centre will strongly support the burgeoning sense of the relevancy of the arts to society and community," says Tiana Koffler Boyman, president of the Koffler Centre of the Arts.

"The Koffler Centre of the Arts has a strong history of bringing people together, through creative expression and shared experience, to build a common humanity," Lori Starr says. "This history, and the opportunities inherent in a greatly expanded centre, is what drew me to Toronto. On top of that, I have fallen in love with the city - it's a dynamic, cosmopolitan and vibrant place."

Ms. Starr is married to sculptor and teacher Richard Oginz, and has two children. The family has re-located to Toronto.