(MURFREESBORO) A new executive director for the Center for the Arts has been selected. Murfreesboro native Regina Wilkerson Ward begins her new duties this Monday (11/14/2022).

A lifelong resident of Rutherford County, Regina holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Middle Tennessee State University and has 13 years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit strategic growth, and community leadership.

Wilkerson said, "I am excited about being able to engage the entire arts community in the work happening within The Center for the Arts and how we will continue to share the power of art with the community at large. I'm an advocate for education and community growth and believe that the incorporation of art into both of those spaces allows us all as individuals and as a community to thrive.”

Prior to returning to Murfreesboro, she was a regional philanthropy strategist with Bethany Christian Services.

CFA's Director of Education Denise Parton noted, "Regina brings to us a new positive energy as well as a deep love, understanding, and enthusiasm for the arts. We are very excited to have her on board!"

Regina loves her hometown, where she holds a variety of volunteer leadership positions, and is proud of the people that strive to make Rutherford County a great place to live and work.

Artistic Director Mark Williams commented, “I look forward to our continued growth of the arts in Murfreesboro and the fresh perspective that Regina will bring to our staff and volunteers.”

The new Center for the Arts Executive Director Regina Wilkerson Ward was on WGNS with Bryan Barrett in his Rutherford Issues broadcast. LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS:

The mission of The Center for the Arts is to enhance the quality of life in our community by providing cultural and economic enrichment through the arts.

The facility opened to the public on December 1, 1995 and was originally funded by the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. In 2008, The Center became a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and now depends on the generosity of the public for funding. Since opening, the Center for the Arts has been presenting theatrical productions, visual art exhibitions, music concerts, dance performances, and educational classes.