Joseph Specter was named the new president and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The announcement comes after Stuart Graff stepped down from the role last August, after having worked at Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation for almost a decade, a tenure fraught with controversy. Previously, Specter was president and general director of Arizona Opera, a Phoenix-based opera company. Mark Dreher, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation board chair, said it was Specters experience leading mission-driven organizations and his passion for engaging communities and his ability to build strong relationships make him an ideal leader to advance Wrights legacy, which made him stand out as the best choice.[Specters] commitment to expanding the influence of organic architecture and ensuring its relevance for future generations aligns perfectly with our vision, Dreher added. The Board is excited for the Foundations next chapter under Joes leadership and looks forward to working together to strengthen our mission and impact. After Graff announced he would step down from the role, Aaron Betsky, who previously led the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architectureandthen the School of Architecture at Taliesin, penned a list of suggestions for the Foundation board to consider as it looks toward its future. Among his recommendations were partnering with educational institutions and relaxing the policy on the use of Wrights name and logos.It is an incredible honor to join the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation as its next president and CEO, Specter said in a statement about his new role. Wrights vision for improving lives through the principles of organic architecture is as relevant today as ever, and I am eager to collaborate with the Foundations dedicated team and community to amplify his influence.Specter continued: Together, we will deepen our engagement with architects, scholars and supporters while strengthening the Foundations resources to preserve and advance Wrights legacy. I look forward to building new relationships and ensuring that Wrights philosophy continues to inspire generations to come. At Arizona Opera, Specter led the company through 32 percent budget growth, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation noted. He helped increase subscription revenue, and strengthen fundraising through major donor commitments.Before Arizona Opera, he was director of international relations at the Metropolitan Opera, where he managed a portfolio of over 100 institutional funders, generating more than $5 million in annual support, and securing over $3 million in new sponsorships.Prior to the Metropolitan Opera, Specter worked for Lord Abbett, an investment house where he represented $2.6 billion in assets.Specter will begin his new role in early May.