COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) announced Wednesday that Brooke Hawkins has been named as the organization’s executive director.
Hawkins was appointed to lead the Arts Council in an interim role last May following the departure of the previous executive director, Kathryn Armstrong.
Hawkins has years of experience volunteering for the Arts Council and has been the organization’s brand manager and graphic designer for five years, overseeing its rebranding in 2017. She has twice served as co-chair of Uncommon Cause, CAAC’s largest annual fundraiser.
Columbus Area Arts Council Board President Mike Elwood is confident in Hawkins’ ability to lead the nonprofit, saying, “Brooke has led the organization with focus and a collaborative spirit. She is deeply committed to the arts and culture in this community.”
Under Hawkins’ leadership, CAAC will continue to provide programming in the community, such as First Fridays for Families and 6th Street Arts Alley events, and it will also explore new opportunities.
“The Arts Council will achieve our highest potential when we align our work with the priorities of the community and our partners,” Hawkins said. “By relying on the relationships I have built as a lifelong and engaged resident of Columbus, I am certain we can strengthen the community through arts and culture.”