As the Performing Arts Association gets ready to turn 30, it’s also turning to new leadership.

The St. Joseph arts organization announced Wednesday that Christina Lund would become its executive director.

Ms. Lund will succeed Mary Ingersoll, who resigned as the Performing Arts Association’s executive director to run the Inspirations Dance Center in Savannah, Mo., full time.

Ms. Lund has been director of sales and marketing for the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art for the past seven years and has more than 15 years of event-planning experience. As one of nearly a dozen qualified applicants, she went through an extensive interview process that required a bit of role playing by pretending to introduce a performer on stage at the Missouri Theater and pitch to a business for sponsorship of an upcoming season.

“A big part of this role is selling our product ... and we wanted to make sure they had that ability to sell,” said Brad Scott, president of PAA’s board of directors. “(She) really exceeded my expectations on all levels.”

Ms. Lund feels that her strengths in organization, grant writing, event planning and interacting with the community will only aid the PAA’s continued growth.

“I feel determined that we will continue heading in an upward path, continuing on the strengths that they have established,” she said.

Ms. Lund begins her new role months before the PAA kicks off its 30th anniversary season beginning with “1964 ... The Tribute,” an early ’60s Beatles tribute group, on Sept. 12. The remainder of the 2009-2010 season will feature everything from ballet and blues to world-renowned Chinese acrobats and Bach performed in various styles and with the occasional keytar.

In addition, Ms. Lund says the PAA will put on corresponding events, continue to offer workshops to local schools involving the traveling performers and will allow the opportunity for local residents to be a part of the show. It’s all part of PAA’s continued goal to further strengthen a community connection with the arts.

“We are offering to you, as a potential attendee, an array of opportunities to further embrace the talents of these nationally-renowned performances,” Ms. Lund said. “We know that we have ... a class-act lineup. We want everyone to realize that and become a part of it.”

Blake Hannon can be reached at blakehannon@npgco.com.

Performing Arts Association's 2009-2010 season

All shows take place at the Missouri Theatre, 717 Edmond St.

“1964 ... The Tribute,” Sept. 12, 8 p.m.

Saffire — The Uppity Blues Women, Oct. 10, 8 p.m.

State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara’s “Cinderella,”

under artistic director Rodney Gustafson, Nov. 21, 8 p.m.

“Bach to the Future,” Jan. 23, 2010, 8 p.m.

“The Amazing Love Song Tour,” featuring Richie McDonald and John Berry, Feb. 6, 2010, 8 p.m.

“Church Basement Ladies,” March 21, 2010, 2 p.m.

Golden Dragon Acrobats, May 8, 2010, 2 and 7 p.m.

Season tickets are currently on sale and individual tickets go on sale on June 15. For more information, call 279-1225 or visit www.saintjosephperformingarts.org.