The Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC) has named Sharon Nesbit-Davis as Executive Director. Nesbit-Davis had been Interim Director since August of 2016. She served as RAAC's Education and Engagement Director for twenty-one years, prior to which she worked as an Artist in Residence for the Illinois Arts Council and RAAC.
RAAC Board Chairman Doug Mark says the board was both honored and excited at the opportunity to make Nesbit-Davis Executive Director on a permanent basis.
“Sharon has a wonderful history working with the Arts Council in programming, grants and running the
summer Arts Place programs," Marks says. "She brings so much positive energy, creative ideas and passion to the job that we will all benefit from her leadership.”
Nesbit-Davis says she was honored by the board's decision. She expressed gratitude for the support she has gotten in her work at the RAAC, and optimism for the future work of the Council.
“We are a small staff," she says, "but we have hundreds of devoted members, a committed Board of Directors, and an incredible arts community. Together we are developing plans to increase and expand arts opportunities for everyone. It’s an exciting year ahead!”
The Rockford Area Arts Council stated mission is to support, promote, and develop the arts for everyone in the Northern Illinois region. RAAC says its vision is to be the lead organization for leveraging arts and
culture as catalysts for community, economic and educational development. In September of 2017, RAAC will kick off the beginning of its 30th year serving the Northern Illinois region.