The Center for Puppetry Arts is thrilled to announce that Lois Reitzes, Atlanta’s treasured voice of public radio and a longtime advocate for the arts, will be joining the organization’s Board of Directors. Reitzes’ appointment as an Advisor follows her recent retirement from WABE after more than four decades of service to Atlanta’s cultural landscape.

Lois Reitzes officially retired from her full-time role at WABE on June 30, 2025, concluding a legendary career that began in 1979. Known for her unmistakable voice, warmth, and passion for the arts, Reitzes served as the host and producer of City Lights, a weekday arts and culture program that became a cornerstone of Atlanta’s creative community.

“Lois has been a beacon for the arts in Atlanta for decades,” said Beth Schiavo, Executive Director of the Center for Puppetry Arts. “Her thoughtful storytelling and unwavering support for artists of all kinds have helped shape the city’s cultural identity. We are deeply honored to welcome her to our Board.”

Reitzes’ connection to the Center runs deep. A devoted fan of puppetry since childhood, she has long championed the work of the Center and has frequently celebrated its programming on air. She holds a special affection for the legacy of Jim Henson and the enduring magic of the Muppets—an interest that aligns beautifully with the Center’s mission and their museum collections which include the world’s largest collection of Henson puppets.

“I’ve admired the Center for Puppetry Arts since its earliest days,” said Reitzes. “Its blend of education, imagination, and artistry captures everything I love about storytelling. I’m absolutely delighted to support its mission in a new and meaningful way.”

The Center for Puppetry Arts is especially fond of Reitzes’ story of the four core loves in her life: Motown, Mel Brooks, Mozart and the Muppets. In her new role, Reitzes will be be very close to that final “M”. She will lend her experience in arts advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement to further the Center’s mission of inspiring imagination, education, and community through the art of puppetry.