Arts Council names Samantha Howard president and CEO

Following a national search, Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County has named Samantha Howard president and CEO. Howard has served as executive director of the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation in Bayonne, New Jersey, since 2015 and will assume her new role in Winston-Salem beginning September 23, 2024. “We conducted an extensive search that included candidates from across the country and believe that Samantha is the ideal executive to lead the Arts Council toward a very bright future,” Arts Council Board of Trustees Chair Chad Cheek said. “I want to thank the members of the search committee for working with us as we completed a methodical process of making this decision.  “I would also like to extend thanks to Howard Upchurch, the incoming board chair, for serving as interim president and CEO of the Arts Council. We both look forward to working closely alongside Samantha to further the momentum and excitement that the Arts Council staff has created as we continue to celebrate our 75th anniversary this year.” At the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation, Howard transformed and rebranded the organization to become a high-performing agency, increased services, and met compliance standards. In addition, she implemented emerging technologies and streamlined financial...