A Turlock native and Stanislaus State alumna has been promoted to lead a segment of the Gallo Center for the Arts’ giving program.

Amber Flores has been promoted from development manager to director of development for foundation and annual giving.  Flores joined the Center in August 2010 after serving as the managing director of the Sonoma County Repertory Theater in Sebastopol. 

Following a model adopted by similar performing arts organizations, the Gallo Center is effectively dividing its development department into two fundraising entities.  Current director of development Carla Whitehurst will now become director of development for corporate giving and major gifts. 

“Carla and Amber are both very strong fundraising professionals and their skills complement each other well,” said Gallo Center CEO Lynn Dickerson.   “The board of directors and I believe there is greater fundraising potential in our market and this step facilitates that growth.  With this move, Carla and Amber will focus on the areas where they are strongest, and this will ultimately result in greater revenue for the Gallo Center from additional sponsorships, corporate patrons, major donors, grants and foundations.” 

Flores, a Turlock resident, received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from California State University, Stanislaus, and her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Management from Wayne State University in Detroit.