Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts Names First Male President

In a historic shift that coincides with the diamond anniversary of its signature estate makeover fundraiser, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts has appointed Matt McIntyre as its first male president in the organization’s nearly eight decade history.

McIntyre, who served as 2023 Benefit Chair, will lead the organization as it prepares to launch its 60th Showcase House of Design in Spring 2025.

“I’m the first man in the 77-year history to be president of the organization. So that’s an exciting milestone,” McIntyre told Pasadena Now.

The appointment comes during a period of significant growth for the organization.

“We have increasing numbers of guests. We have increasing revenues, which gives us more money to put out into the community. And so part of this year, in addition to being our 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design, is all the activity that the organization has had and all the good we’ve been able to do,” McIntyre explained.

The organization’s four recent benefits have seen a surge in attendance and collectively raised $2.4 million which has been immediately distributed to the local community.

These funds contribute to the organization’s total historical community funding of $26 million since 1948, supporting various music education initiatives, including Music Mobile, Instrumental Competition, and Youth Concert programs.

“Last year, we gave out a million dollars and it’s phenomenal from an organization like us, Showcase House for the Arts,” McIntyre noted.

McIntyre, a third-generation Pasadena resident and Cornell University graduate with an interior design background, brings extensive community experience to the role. His credentials include 18 years with the Tournament of Roses Association, 17 years as a Gamble House docent, and recognition as Pasadena’s Realtor of the Year in 2018.

He currently works as an agent for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

Under McIntyre’s leadership, the organization is expanding its community impact through revised programming, including a partnership with LA Phil’s Symphonies for Schools program that extends to third through fifth graders.

“We decided that we would retool the program and make it more diverse and culturally sensitive. We have a whole new program that is being launched this year that we’ve done in partnership with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music,” he explained.

Looking ahead, McIntyre emphasized his commitment to maintaining the organization’s momentum while preserving its traditional values.

“I’d like to keep the machine moving forward, and I’d like to keep it moving forward with kindness and gentility,” he said.

His personal connection to the organization dates back to his youth.

“I remember going to the Pasadena Showcase House of Design and experiencing that as a young person because I was always interested in interior design. And I’m happy to see the next generation is getting to experience the best Showcase House of Design and benefit from our commitment to the community,” McIntyre shared.