HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING J. L. "LYNN" SINGLETON ON HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

The bill honors Lynn Singleton for transforming PPAC into a leading venue with major productions and economic impact, while noting his ongoing role with a separate company.

06/04/2026 House read and passed

Bill summary: HR 8615 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

This is a House Resolution congratulating J. L. "Lynn" Singleton on his retirement as President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC).

It also recognizes and thanks him for his leadership and the impact of PPAC under his tenure.

Key provisions and changes

Acknowledges Singleton’s tenure:

Joined PPAC as Executive Director in May 1983.
Transformed PPAC from near bankruptcy into a leading not-for-profit theatre in North America; PPAC is described as the second-largest theatre of its kind in New England with a 3,100-seat capacity.
Over 43 years, events at PPAC more than tripled; annual attendance surpassed 350,000.
Overseen a major stagehouse expansion (~$8 million) and helped stage renowned productions (e.g., The Phantom of the Opera, Disney titles, Wicked, Les Misérables, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Jersey Boys), with 24 national tours launching or opening at PPAC since 2008.

Highlights PPAC’s economic and cultural impact:

PPAC’s location in Providence’s arts and entertainment district; credited with delivering economic benefits to Providence and Rhode Island.

Retirement and subsequent position:

States that Singleton will retire as PPAC President and CEO but will remain President and CEO of Professional Facilities Management (PFM), Inc., which contracts with 10 venues across 6 states.

Awards and recognitions:

Lists numerous honors for Singleton (Providence Business News Driving Force (2011, 2016, 2021); Pell Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts (2012); John Hazen White, Sr. Leadership in the Arts Award (2018); Providence Renaissance Award; Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame induction (2023); WaterFire Providence Fireball Honoree for Civic Impact (2025); Tony Awards voting member; Emmy Award for Art Direction for Peter Pan).

Formal actions:

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to J. L. “Lynn” Singleton.

Who would be affected

J. L. "Lynn" Singleton (primary honoree and retiree).

PPAC (institution) and its leadership, staff, and stakeholders (recognition of leadership impact and ongoing role in the arts).

The Rhode Island community, especially residents and audiences benefiting from PPAC’s programming and economic contributions.

The Rhode Island arts sector and broader cultural community via acknowledgment of Singleton’s influence.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred for passage in the Rhode Island House on June 4, 2026.

The bill status shows: House read and passed on June 4, 2026.

As a resolution, it serves as formal commendation rather than creating enforceable law or spending, and no new fiscal obligations are described.

Position and tone

The resolution is celebratory and ceremonial, aimed at publicly recognizing Singleton’s leadership, the achievements of PPAC under his guidance, and his ongoing contributions to the arts sector in Rhode Island.