Former Macy’s exec lands on feet at Miami Ballet

Miami, Fla. — Miami City Ballet’s Board of Trustees today elected former Macy’s executive Susan D. Kronick as its new president of the board.

Kronick is a retail marketing and merchandising strategist who served as vice chairman of Macy’s from March 2003 until March 2010. In that role, she was responsible for approximately $25 billion in sales and 850 Macy’s and Bloomingdales stores nationwide. She also served as group president of regional department stores at Macy’s from April 2001 to February 2003, and as chairman and CEO of Macy's Florida from June 1997 to March 2001. Kronick also was a director of the Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. from March 1999 to February 2010.

”I am excited and honored to be part of Miami City Ballet,” said Kronick, “particularly at a time when the cultural life of South Florida is exploding with energy and creative force. Our internationally acclaimed company has a magnificent legacy, supremely talented dancers and an exhilarating future. The beauty, power and discipline of dance have been important to me since I was six years old. And sometimes you are fortunate when life brings you full circle.”

Kronick succeeds James Eroncig who served as board president throughout the last two seasons and led Miami City Ballet’s transition to new artistic director, Lourdes Lopez.

“We are thrilled that Sue has been elected as our next MCB board president,” said Miami City Ballet artistic director Lourdes Lopez. “Sue has been a devoted supporter of all the arts and especially dance. She brings with her a deep understanding and love of the art form, that combined with her experience as a leading retail executive, brand builder and board member will ensure the community’s support of Miami City Ballet as one of the world's leading ballet companies. Sue's guidance and contribution will help advance Miami City Ballet's leadership role in the continued cultural development of South Florida.”

In addition to her new responsibilities at Miami City Ballet, Kronick is a member of the board of directors of Hyatt Hotels Corporation and a trustee of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. She has served on numerous civic boards including Exodus Cities and Schools for at-risk children in Atlanta and has been a strong advocate of women’s health issues. She and her husband were the co-chairs of the grand opening of the Frank Gehry New World Center, home to the New World Symphony, which opened in January 2011.

“I applaud the selection of Sue Kronick as the new president of Miami City Ballet’s board,” said Miami City Ballet executive director Daniel J. Hagerty. “Sue’s unparalleled business, management and marketing experience will be enormous assets to carry Miami City Ballet and Miami City Ballet School to an even higher level of excellence.”

Kronick is a Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude graduate of Connecticut College where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in Asian studies with a minor in dance. She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the American Jewish Committee’s Human Relations Award and the Connecticut College Medal, the college’s highest alumni honor. She lives on Miami Beach with her husband, Edward Manno Shumsky, who is vice chairman of the New World Symphony.

Miami City Ballet, led by artistic director Lourdes Lopez, has more than 40 dancers and a repertoire of more than 90 ballets.