Louisville Ballet CEO Leslie Smart Steps Down After Stabilizing Company

Leslie Smart is stepping down as CEO of Louisville Ballet after three and a half years, transitioning to co-chair of the 75th Diamond Anniversary Committee and joining the board of directors. Her last day as CEO is May 29. Smart took the role in February 2023 amid financial turmoil following the pandemic and a harsh 2022 holiday season that canceled Nutcracker performances. She launched aggressive cost-cutting and fundraising, securing over $18.5 million in financial support, including a historic $9 million investment announced a week before her departure. Under her leadership, the ballet achieved record ticket sales with 13 sold-out performances in the 2025-26 season, served audiences from 48 states, and expanded community programming to 174 locations in Kentucky and Indiana. Smart also forged partnerships with Bellarmine University for an accredited dance degree, Norton Healthcare for medical collaboration, and an adaptive dance program. Incoming Board President Pamela Thompson credited Smart's leadership for the company's financial recovery. A national search for a new executive director will begin immediately.