Introducing Classical Tahoe’s New Board Chair: Rafael Pastor
November 6, 2025 | Member Submitted
We’re delighted to announce that Rafael Pastor has been named Chair of the Classical Tahoe Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2025. A seasoned executive, intrapreneur, and lifelong advocate for the arts, Rafael brings a dynamic vision and deep commitment to Classical Tahoe’s mission.
After 11 years as Classical Tahoe’s Board Chair, Marna Broida is stepping down and will continue to serve on the Board as a Director.
A message from Marna Broida:
“Classical Tahoe is an extraordinary arts organization with the strongest, most dedicated team it has ever had. Now is the perfect moment for new leadership. Keep your eye on this artistic gem! With our visionary executive director, David Pratt, new board chair, Rafael Pastor, new vice chair, Michael Blaszyk, and our partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno, we will continue to expand our mission and vision, delighting audiences, educating students of all ages, and transforming lives. “
Thank you, Marna for your dedication and many years of service to Classical Tahoe. And please join us in welcoming Rafael Pastor as our new Board Chair.
ABOUT RAFAEL PASTOR
Referring to himself as “actively repurposed” (rejecting “retired”), Rafael currently serves or recently served as a Director on the Boards of Ensight (as Chairman, continually helping to guide its growth as an insurance-sales facilitation company), RosettaBooks (as a Founder of one of the first e-book publishers), and Experience Investment Corp. (a SPAC that merged with Blade, the passenger and organs air-transport company). He also serves as an Advisor to a major international private equity firm, and is a limited partner and advisor in several investment partnerships.
Rafael is also: Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego (UCSD); Trustee of the UCSD Foundation; Member of the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Rady School of Management at UCSD. As a Board Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors/Pacific Southwest Chapter (which covers Southern California, Nevada and Arizona), Rafael has produced, moderated and been a panelist on several webinars focused to what Board Directors need to know and do.
Rafael is also: Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego (UCSD); Trustee of the UCSD Foundation; Member of the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Rady School of Management at UCSD. As a Board Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors/Pacific Southwest Chapter (which covers Southern California, Nevada and Arizona), Rafael has produced, moderated and been a panelist on several webinars focused to what Board Directors need to know and do.
Rafael is also: Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego (UCSD); Trustee of the UCSD Foundation; Member of the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Rady School of Management at UCSD. As a Board Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors/Pacific Southwest Chapter (which covers Southern California, Nevada and Arizona), Rafael has produced, moderated and been a panelist on several webinars focused to what Board Directors need to know and do.
Rafael is also: Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego (UCSD); Trustee of the UCSD Foundation; Member of the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Rady School of Management at UCSD. As a Board Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors/Pacific Southwest Chapter (which covers Southern California, Nevada and Arizona), Rafael has produced, moderated and been a panelist on several webinars focused to what Board Directors need to know and do.
Over the years, Rafael has served as a Trustee of several humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations. These include: the International League for Human Rights (based in New York as Board Vice Chairman); the Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School (in New York, NY) and the Pacific Ridge School (in Carlsbad, CA); the Old Globe Theater (in San Diego, CA on the Board’s Executive Committee); and the La Jolla Music Society (in La Jolla, CA as Board Vice Chairman while it raised $80 Million and built the exquisite Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center).
Rafael started his career at the Wall Street law firm of Hawkins, Delafield and Wood and then as Associate General Counsel at CBS Inc. Born in Israel to Hungarian parents, he speaks Hungarian and French and (less fluently) German and Hebrew.
In addition to his experiences as a Board member of corporate and not-for-profit entities, Rafael has participated in Board meetings and deliberations as a CEO, investment banker, and attorney.
Rafael has loved (but has no talent in) classical music ever since he was inspired by one of his childhood heroes, Leonard Bernstein. He and Marina are also avid about theatre, dance, art, humor, and all forms of excellent creativity from around the world. He has been a proud and admiring member of Classical Tahoe’s Board since 2024.