American Ballet Theatre Welcomes Kathy Taggares to Board of Trustees

NEW YORK, NY ­- American Ballet Theatre announced the appointment of Kathy Taggares to its Board of Trustees.

Taggares is an accomplished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose leadership spans nearly four decades. She is the sole owner and president of KT's Kitchens, Inc., a frozen food manufacturing company based in Carson, California, which employs approximately 250 people. Widely recognized for her business acumen, Taggares has been consistently named to the Los Angeles Business Journal's list of Top Women Business Leaders and has received numerous regional and national honors for her entrepreneurial success.

Beyond her professional achievements, Taggares is deeply committed to philanthropy and civic leadership. Her work includes long-standing mentorship initiatives supporting youth in underserved communities, as well as significant contributions to animal welfare organizations, most notably a decade-long partnership with the ASPCA. Through these efforts, she has helped expand access to critical veterinary services across California and strengthen nonprofit engagement at both local and national levels.

A passionate supporter of the arts, Taggares brings to ABT a deep appreciation for artistic excellence, paired with a strong understanding of organizational growth, governance, and long-term sustainability.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kathy to the Board of Trustees," said Melissa Smith, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "Kathy's extraordinary business leadership, strategic insight, and genuine passion for the arts will be invaluable to ABT. She brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to leadership that aligns beautifully with ABT's mission."

"I am honored to join the Board of Trustees of American Ballet Theatre," said Taggares. "ABT's commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and education is truly inspiring, and I am excited to support an institution that plays such a vital role in shaping the future of ballet and the performing arts."

Taggares's appointment reflects ABT's ongoing commitment to assembling a diverse and dynamic Board of Trustees whose members bring expertise, vision, and a shared dedication to advancing the future of the performing arts.

ABOUT AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

American Ballet Theatre is one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Revered as a national treasure since its founding season in 1940, its mission is to create, present, preserve, and extend the great repertoire of classical dancing for the widest possible audience. Headquartered in New York City, ABT is the only cultural institution of its size and stature to extensively tour, enchanting audiences for eight decades in 50 U.S. states, 45 countries, and over 480 cities worldwide. ABT's repertoire includes full-length classics from the nineteenth century, the finest works from the early twentieth century, and acclaimed contemporary masterpieces. In 2006, by an act of Congress, ABT was designated America's National Ballet Company^®.

For more information, please visit https://www.abt.org.

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