Sag Harbor Cinema Names New Executive Director Ahead of 5-Year Anniversary

Former ICP leader Mark Lubell takes the helm as the cultural hub enters its next phase of growth

A Leadership Transition at a Key Moment

The Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center has named Mark Lubell as its new executive director, following a national search conducted by PBR Executive Search, according to representatives.

The appointment comes just ahead of the Cinema’s five-year anniversary since its Memorial Day weekend reopening, marking a pivotal moment for the village’s cultural anchor.

Sag Harbor Cinema on Main St., Sag Harbor

A Track Record of Growth and Transformation

Lubell is described as a seasoned creative executive and cultural entrepreneur with a career spanning leading cultural institutions through periods of expansion and reinvention.

A native New Yorker and Sag Harbor resident, he has worked at the intersection of culture, technology and commerce, building teams and repositioning legacy organizations for contemporary audiences.

Most recently, Lubell served as executive director of the International Center of Photography from 2013 to 2022. During his tenure, he raised more than $90 million to support institutional expansion and long-term sustainability.

He also led the acquisition and development of ICP’s permanent home at 84 Ludlow Street, fulfilling a long-term strategic goal. Under his leadership, the institution sharpened its focus on new media and contemporary visual culture.

Digital Innovation and Industry Impact

Prior to ICP, Lubell was director of Magnum Photos from 2003 to 2011, where he oversaw a major digital transformation and organizational restructuring.

His strategy resulted in more than half of the organization’s revenue coming from newly developed business lines within three years. He also facilitated the sale of the Magnum New York press print archive to Michael Dell, one of the largest transactions in photographic history.

Lubell was later named Innovator of the Year by American Photo for his work in multimedia and digital community building.

Mark Lubell, new executive director of the Sag Harbor Cinema

A Local Leader with a Global Perspective

“I am honored to join the Sag Harbor Cinema as its executive director,” Lubell said in a statement. “As a resident of Sag Harbor, I have long admired the Cinema’s dedication to celebrating the art of filmmaking.”

He added that he looks forward to building on the institution’s foundation while expanding its cultural programming and community role for both residents and visitors.

Sag Harbor Cinema Board President John Alschuler said Lubell’s leadership and fundraising experience will help guide the organization’s next chapter.

“He will expand on the existing relationship with our community, our schools and support the continued growth of our cultural offerings,” Alschuler said.

Looking Ahead

Earlier in his career, Lubell served as chief operating officer of Here Is New York: A Democracy of Photographs, a nonprofit founded in response to September 11.

He is also co-founder of Vagrant Ventures, where he advises organizations on visual strategy and audience engagement.

Lubell succeeds Genevieve Villaflor, who served as executive director from October 2021 through late 2025/early 2026. She previously stepped into the role as acting director following the resignation of Jamie Hook in June 2021.