Westmoreland Cultural Trust CEO Earns Pittsburgh Magazine’s Coveted 40 Under 40 Recognition

As CEO of Westmoreland Cultural Trust (WCT), Luczak leads a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to be a conduit for communities to thrive by welcoming broad forms of artistic expression, forging purposeful partnerships, and programming meaningful arts education and engagement initiatives. WCT manages four historic properties—The Palace Theatre, Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, the Union Trust Building, and the Stark/James Building—and serves as the largest arts and cultural nonprofit in Westmoreland County and the Laurel Highlands. In 2024, WCT welcomed 157,593 guests and generated $12.88 million in local economic impact through more than 100 events that supported nearly 700 jobs.

Under Luczak’s leadership, the Trust has experienced a groundbreaking period of growth, modernization, and community engagement. He launched a three-year strategic plan, improved board governance, oversaw a comprehensive fundraising audit, expanded ADA compliance, and led a complete brand makeover—including redesigned websites across all Trust properties. He has championed major capital improvements such as a new HVAC system and digital projector at The Palace Theatre, along with transitioning the venue to a fully cashless facility, implementing mobile ticketing, and installing a new donor recognition wall. Luczak also guided the creation of a new donor lounge and began restoration work on the theatre’s original ticket booth, further blending historic preservation with modern patron amenities.

In 2025, Luczak also launched The Academy at Westmoreland Cultural Trust, a new education and engagement department designed to expand access to the arts for all ages. Its flagship program, Broadway to the Palace, connects aspiring young performers with Broadway talent in an immersive, weeklong artist retreat. He has also helped forge new cultural partnerships, including a programming collaboration with the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh—strengthening the Trust’s role as a regional connector of diverse artistic voices and communities.

These efforts come as the organization prepares to celebrate the 100-Year Centennial of The Palace Theatre in 2026. Originally opened in 1926 as the Manos Theatre, the venue began as a vaudeville and silent film house that brought grandeur and entertainment to the heart of downtown Greensburg. From its opulent French Renaissance design and marble staircases to its golden ticket booth and vintage murals, The Palace has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence and historic preservation for a full century. Over its storied history, The Palace Theatre has hosted legendary performers including Ella Fitzgerald, George Carlin, Jay Leno, the Dalai Lama, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Wiz Khalifa, and The Beach Boys—and remains a pillar of cultural life in the Laurel Highlands.

Luczak brings national expertise to his role, having held senior leadership positions at Des Moines Performing Arts, Asolo Repertory Theatre (where he led a fully funded $15 million capital and endowment campaign), Broadway Dallas, Omaha Performing Arts, The Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and Shenandoah Conservatory Performances. He currently serves as Board Treasurer for City Theatre Company, a Community Advisor to Elevate NP of Southwestern PA, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Society. His past service includes roles with Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theatre, the League of Resident Theatres’ Executive Search Subcommittee, and multiple grant panels for arts and equity-focused organizations.

An Eagle Scout and lifelong learner, Luczak holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and an MS in Performing Arts Leadership and Management from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University. He also earned certificates in Fundraising Management (University of Nebraska Omaha) and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace (University of South Florida), and studied abroad in Guatemala and Australia on scholarship. His 40 Under 40 recognition highlights a track record of strong leadership, strategic growth, and a commitment to expanding arts access across the Pittsburgh and Western PA region.