Board of Columbia's Access Arts welcomes familiar face as executive director
A familiar face at KOPN has made a transition to lead Access Arts.
Sarah Catlin, previously KOPN director of underwriting, recently was named by the Access Arts board as executive director.
“I'm thrilled to be joining the team at Access Arts! As the daughter of a retired public school teacher and one of the founders of YAAL ROCK!, the mission of making arts education accessible to all aligns with my own values,” Catlin said in the announcement. “I look forward to creating more community partnerships, capitalizing on the potential of the Cottle Drive space, and expanding our available scholarships.”
Catlin also is active in the Women's Network, part of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and has extensive volunteer hours under her belt with the Boone County Muleskinners, LeadMO, Downtown Columbia Leadership Council, Citizen Jane Film Festival, Ragtag Film Society and formerly was on the Access Arts board.
“I believe Sarah’s energy and positive connections in the community will propel the organization forward and continue the great work of bringing accessible arts education to Mid-Missouri,” said Lisa Franko, coordinator for youth programs, who had served serving as interim executive director. “I look forward to seeing the organization continue its legacy under her leadership I ask that our supporters, both past and present, welcome Sarah into our community.”
Catlin's biography on the Access Arts website notes she was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, before relocating to Columbia in 1999 from South Carolina to work on her Ph.D. at the University of Missouri, focusing on American South writers, folklore and film.
Access Arts was founded more than 50 years ago and aims to make art accessible to all, regardless of age, ability or economic circumstance.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia's Access Arts names Sarah Catlin new executive director
