Richard E. LeBlond, Jr. built a full career in dance administration, most notably as president of the San Francisco Ballet Association for twelve years. In 1975, he left the Temple University sociology department, moved to California and brought the near bankrupt San Francisco Ballet to organizational and financial stability. LeBlond provided the institutional foundation and financial management necessary for the purchase and construction of the Ballet’s studio and rehearsal building, one block west of the Opera House in the San Francisco Civic Center. As a member of the board of the Association of American Dance Companies, LeBlond also had a major impact nationally through his savvy advocacy for the performing arts.

Legacy Interviewer is Leslie Friedman.