Ed Bass steps down as chairman of Fort Worth’s Bass Hall

Ed Bass is stepping down as chairman of the board that manages the operations of Bass Hall, officials of the downtown performing-arts venue confirmed Wednesday.

The well-known financier and philanthropist has served as board chairman for Performing Arts Fort Worth Inc., the entity that operates the facility named for Bass’ late parents, since 1993.

The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, widely known for its grand architecture and dazzling acoustics, opened in 1998.

Dallas banking executive Elaine Agather, who has served on the board as chairwoman of the finance and audit committee since 1993, has been named the new board leader. Agather is managing director and south region head for JPMorgan Private Bank.

Bass will now have the title of chairman emeritus. Officials said the changes took effect Tuesday. No reasons were given for Bass’ departure. Bass, 70, also serves as chairman of the board of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and sits on numerous other boards.

“It was a great honor to have served as chair for so long, and I will continue to be very involved in board activities,” Bass said in a statement. “Over the years, Elaine and I have collaborated on several of PAFW board matters with great success. I am really looking forward to her expanded role in the organization; she is the perfect next leader of Performing Arts Fort Worth.”

Dione Kennedy, the president and CEO of Performing Arts Fort Worth, who manages the day-to-day business of booking and presenting performances at the hall, praised Bass’ leadership and looked optimistically to the future.

“Performing Arts Fort Worth has been privileged by extraordinary leadership since its inception,” Kennedy said in a statement. “I want to thank Ed for his vision and his tireless efforts for over 22 years and look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role. I am also eager to work with Elaine in her new expanded role.”

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 6:32 PM with the headline "Ed Bass steps down as chairman of Fort Worth’s Bass Hall."