CSUN has named Chad Hilligus executive and artistic director of the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts.
He joins from the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, where he served as chief executive officer, leading programming and overseeing operations, finance, education and advancement. During his tenure, he curated more than 100 live performances each year, elevating the center’s diverse, high-quality offerings.
Hilligus will begin his tenure in June.
Join us in welcoming Chad Hilligus to the Matador family!
California State University, Northridge has appointed Chad Hilligus as the new executive and artistic director of the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, known as The Soraya, a nationally recognized performing arts venue.
“I’m so pleased that Chad Hilligus will be leading The Soraya,” said CSUN President Erika D. Beck. “Chad is a proven leader in the performing arts with more than 20 years of experience as an artist, producer, director and fundraiser, and a deep understanding of how the arts connect us across cultures, across generations and across differences. The Soraya serves as both a transformative learning environment for our students and a dynamic gathering place where everyone belongs. Chad’s vision and artistic integrity will realize even greater impact.”
Hilligus joins CSUN from the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, Calif., where, as chief executive officer, he leads artistic programming and oversees operations, finance, education and advancement. During his tenure, he curated more than 100 multidisciplinary live performances annually, strengthening the center’s reputation for diverse and high-quality programming.
“I feel incredibly honored and energized to step into this role,” Hilligus said. “The Soraya has built a remarkable reputation as a home for elevated, world-class work, and it’s deeply meaningful to join an institution with such artistic integrity and cultural impact.”
A former professional performer, Hilligus brings a unique artist’s perspective to his leadership. He toured internationally as a member of The Ten Tenors from 2011 to 2014 and starred as Tony in the 50th anniversary world tour of “West Side Story” from 2009 to 2011.
The Soraya is an award-winning, state-of-the-art, 1,700-seat performance venue that presents more than 40 performances each year featuring renowned orchestras, dance companies and musical artists from around the globe. Originally opened in 2011 as the Valley Performing Arts Center, the venue was renamed The Soraya in 2017 following a transformative gift from philanthropists Younes and Soraya Nazarian.
“The Soraya is the artistic and cultural heart of the San Fernando Valley and beyond, bringing world-class performances to audiences that reflect the vibrancy of the region’s diverse communities,” said Sharon S. Nazarian, president of the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation. “Its commitment to arts education and inclusive programming opens doors for thousands of students across Southern California each year.”
“Our family is deeply committed to The Soraya reaching new heights, building on its remarkable foundation while expanding its impact and ambition. With Chad’s wide-ranging experience in the performing arts, I am confident he will build on this extraordinary foundation. I look forward to partnering with him to deepen and expand The Soraya’s impact on Los Angeles and the campus.”
Hilligus emphasized his commitment to serving both the campus and the broader community.
“I step into this role with a deep sense of responsibility to our artists, CSUN students, faculty, and staff and the diverse communities we serve,” he said. “Los Angeles is one of the most creatively vibrant and diverse cities in the world. The Soraya is uniquely positioned to not only to reflect that energy but help shape it. I look forward to expanding partnerships, exploring new ideas and fostering a space where creativity can truly thrive.”
Hilligus will begin his tenure on June 15, 2026.