Billie Jo & Judd Herberger

Billie Jo and Judd Herberger are committed to a thriving arts culture.

“We feel art is a beginning for everybody’s life,” Billie Jo says. “Looking, hearing, seeing… the arts are energizing.”

Each of their parents was philanthropic, and giving is “just a natural thing,” Judd says. “It’s sort of built into our DNA.”

“We feel we’re carrying on a legacy of great parents who built a community of arts and great things,” agrees Billie Jo.

The couple stays involved with the same organizations every year, and the list is extensive – all seven of the theater companies that are part of the Herberger Theater Center, plus The Phoenix Theatre Company, Arizona Opera, Arizona Citizens for the Arts, Cosanti Foundation, Phoenix Art Museum, Scottsdale Philharmonic, The Phoenix Symphony, Valley Youth Theatre and Scottsdale Arts. They are also involved with Release the Fear, American Heart Association, Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, The Salvation Army and CASA.

In October 2019, the Herbergers join names such as Hugh Downs, Pat McMahon, Leslie Nielson and Alice Cooper in being inducted into the Herberger Performing and Broadcast Arts Hall of Fame. The induction is special not only because this year marks the venue’s 30th anniversary season, but also because Judd’s parents were the first inductees, bringing the honor full circle within the family.

This past year has brought other special moments, as well. On the 50th anniversary of her graduation from Northern Arizona University, Billie Jo was recognized on the cover of the school’s alumni magazine.

Judd Herberger passed away on October 7, 2021