Pasadena Heritage Names Zoot Velasco as Interim Executive Director

The Board of Pasadena Heritage announced it appointed Zoot Velasco, an experienced nonprofit executive, educator, and author, as its new Interim Executive Director to oversee the organization’s leadership transition following the retirement of Sue Mossman in May. Mossman had led the historical, architectural, and cultural preservation group for three decades.

Velasco’s appointment was effective Monday, December 2. He steps in following the resignation of Erin Simon, who departed within 100 days of taking the position earlier this year, according to leaders at the nonprofit.

Velasco, who serves as a social impact consultant and leadership coach, brings extensive experience in guiding cultural organizations through periods of change, according to Pasadena Heritage.

“Big changes are always a challenge, particularly for an organization that has achieved such stability and success under long-term leadership,” said Annaly Bennett, chair of Pasadena Heritage’s Board of Directors. “As a heritage association, it’s just as important to understand what not to change as it is to determine what must evolve.”

Bennett emphasized the organization’s careful approach to this transition, adding that “Zoot Velasco is the ideal leader to bridge this period of change. He has a proven record of success in guiding cultural organizations through times of transformation, and excellent fundraising skills.”

The new interim director brings substantial experience in cultural organization management and fundraising, according to Pasadena Heritage.

During the Great Recession from 2007/2008 to 2016, Velasco led the historic Muckenthaler Mansion and Cultural Center in Fullerton to achieve 400% growth while other cultural institutions faced downturns. Throughout his career, he is said to have raised more than $42 million for various institutions and played key roles in restoring historic and cultural sites.

Velasco holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College of California and an MBA from Hope International University. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a credential awarded by CFRE.org, the leading international professional organization for fundraising executives. Currently, he serves as an adjunct professor at Cal Poly Pomona and teaches nonprofit business and leadership courses at three colleges and universities.

“I am thrilled to lead Pasadena Heritage, an organization that has been instrumental in defining Pasadena as a cultural icon and preserving its rich history,” Velasco said. “This is an incredible opportunity to build on the organization’s legacy while ensuring its continued relevance in a changing world.”