Richard (Rick) Stein’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Richard (Rick) Stein and have shared our conversation below.

Richard (Rick), really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m usually up very early and I immediately tackle my favorite six New York Times games on my device: Crossword, Mini Crossword, Wordle, Strands, Connections, and Spelling Bee.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
After 17 years as President & CEO of Arts Orange County, the nonprofit countywide arts council, I retired July 1, handing over the reins to Patrick Brien, whom I hired three years ago as Vice President & COO. For this year, I have been contracted as a Senior Advisor to offer strategic assistance, but the organization is now in Patrick’s eminently capable hands and is thriving.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That I had all the answers and could do everything by myself. As a toddler, I had to be the one to push the elevator button–or I would throw a tantrum! It continued to manifest itself in my desire to be a “macher” (Yiddish word for “doer”, but also a derisive term for “big shot”) throughout my youth and my career. But a few setbacks along the way taught me I needed to learn from others if I really wanted to succeed.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I’d have to say that I’ve had a truly fortunate life in that I’ve not suffered catastrophic setbacks–I like to think that I kind of inherited my mother’s good luck (she used to win big slots jackpots in Vegas–though I’m sure she must have lost it all back, and then some!). But I’ve always had grit and the determination to plow ahead even when I had failures along the way. Yes, I tried to learn from my mistakes, but I cannot say honestly that I’ve ever experienced the kind of pain and suffering I know that others have.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
For the most part, I think it is, and I think it is that authenticity that has enabled me to succeed in attracting audiences and support for my endeavors. I was also an early adopter of social media (though, astoundingly, not Instagram!)–for fun, to stay connected with friends, and as a communications tool for my work. I am heartily entertained by Tik Tok even though I’m not really its demographic. As an OG, Facebook remains my go-to platform. I’ve always let my hair down by sharing satirical content (I love The Onion and New Yorker Magazine cartoons) and that’s usually my preferred method of communicating political commentary (though I do post serious messages from time to time). If there is any “real” me hidden from the public, it’s most likely moments of self-reflection prompted by a book I’m immersed in or a thought-provoking scene I’ve viewed.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Last February, when I announced my plans to retire, a series of accolades ensued–ArtsOC held a retirement party for me, the Orange County Register published a front page/above the fold story about my legacy, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed me to the volunteer board of the California Arts Council, a state agency, and I was honored at the OC Arts Awards. All of that was surreal–it was like being a bystander at my funeral or reading my own obituary! While I was indeed proud of the work I’ve done, I was truly moved to discover how deeply I had touched many people’s lives by my efforts. But I’m really glad to have that behind me now!

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricktheater/

Image Credits
Rick Stein being honored at 25th OC Arts Awards on September 16, 2025 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Photo by: Tony Lattimore

Sculpture Exhibition in Newport Beach Civic Center Park – ArtsOC has been the contractor for ten phases, each exhibiting 10 large-scale works in the ocean view park.

“The Good People Under our Sun and Moon” mural by Man One (Alejandro Poli Jr.) commissioned by City of Placentia, California. ArtsOC was the contractor to the City to conduct the call for artists process.

ArtsOC’s 2025 Creative Edge Lecture speaker Mike Morhaime (center), co-founder of Dreamhaven and formerly co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment. Shown with UCI Professor Constance Steinkueler (right) and ArtsOC President & CEO Rick Stein (left). Photo by: Tony Lattimore

ArtsOC & Media Arts Santa Ana’s “Dia del Nino” Festival at historic Hunt Public Library in Fullerton, California in 2024. Artists included The Lucky Band (shown in photo).