Press Releases
Left to right: Jacqui Groseth, Amy Behrens, Kylie Travis
San Clemente, CA – Renowned and celebrated cultural landmark, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, announces the appointment of Kylie Travis as the Executive Director of Operations and Programming and Jacqui Groseth as the Executive Director of Resource Development and Administration beginning July 28, 2023. This leadership team will guide Casa Romantica during the transition period following the departure of Amy Behrens, Executive Director, who held the executive role and a senior leadership role at Casa Romantica for seven and a half years. Amy will assume the role of Executive Director and CEO of Maryhill Museum of Art in August.
“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished at Casa Romantica over the last seven years and I will truly miss this organization and our team,” started Amy Brehens. “I was offered the opportunity to take on a transformative leadership role at Maryhill Museum of Art in Washington State early this year when Casa Romantica was experiencing unprecedented success, and it is a role that I have dreamed of personally and professionally.”
Behrens continued, “I have so much loyalty and faith in the Casa Romantica Board and staff to triumph out of challenge, just as we proved when I was entrusted to navigate the organization to stability and growth from the COVID-19 crisis. It was this faith that gave me the courage to begin a new chapter in my journey and I know that Casa Romantica will continue rising.”
Kylie Travis, currently the Programs & Marketing Director at Casa Romantica, brings a decade and half of invaluable experience to her new role as Executive Director, Operations and Programming. She is intimately connected to Casa Romantica’s mission and has spent the past eight years enhancing the caliber of Casa Romantica’s artistic and educational programs. Throughout her tenure, Kylie has demonstrated exceptional expertise in artistic programming, event logistics, and marketing. Her deep understanding of Casa Romantica’s values and culture, coupled with her passion for the organization’s mission, makes her a natural fit for this leadership position.
Jacqui Groseth, currently Development Director at Casa Romantica, is a seasoned fundraiser with over twenty years of executive nonprofit leadership experience. Jacqui will assume her new role as the Executive Director, Resource Development and Administration. Through statistical analysis and direct dialogue with Casa’s constituents, Jacqui has helped to increase individual, corporate, and foundation giving to Casa Romantica. She is skilled in identifying what donors love most about the historic home and creating an opportunity for them to make that part of the program or visitor experience possible. Her unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission over the past two years and her deep appreciation for the arts make her an invaluable asset to Casa Romantica’s leadership team.
As Co-Executive Directors, Kylie Travis and Jacqui Groseth will work collaboratively to ensure a seamless transition and continued success for Casa Romantica. They will provide oversight for the daily operations of the organization, maintain strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, and provide guidance and support to Casa Romantica’s talented staff.
“Our primary focus during this transition will be maintaining stability, fostering a supportive work environment, and ensuring that Casa Romantica continues to thrive,” shared Kylie Travis, Co-Executive and Programs & Marketing Director, Casa Romantica. “We are committed to open communication, collaboration, and transparency as we collectively tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
The Casa Romantica Board of Trustees expresses its utmost confidence in Kylie and Jacqui’s ability to lead the organization during this transitional phase. Their extensive experience, dedication, and shared vision for Casa Romantica’s future make them the ideal candidates to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Jacqui Groseth, Co-Executive and Development Director added, “Kylie and I are grateful for the trust that has been placed in us and are eager to embark on this new chapter with the entire Casa Romantica community. As Co-Executive Directors, we are committed to preserving Casa Romantica’s legacy of artistic and cultural excellence.”
Casa Romantica is deeply thankful to Amy Behrens for her significant contributions to the organization. In her role as Executive Director and, prior to that, as Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Amy enhanced Casa Romantica’s reputation and visibility with communications content, national press coverage, extended public hours, and the Cultural Connections curated programs. Annual membership subscriptions more than doubled and cultural programs grew and diversified from 50 to nearly 150 events annually. The Board extends its best wishes to Amy as she assumes her new position as the Executive Director and CEO of Maryhill Museum of Art.
Casa Romantica remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting Casa Romantica’s rich heritage, arts, and education programs. To donate, learn more, or get involved, please visit www.CasaRomantica.org and follow on social media at @CasaRomanticaSC.
