The Springfield Arts Council board of directors has voted to change the organization's operation structure. The board has decided to eliminate the position of executive director, while creating two positions to run the organization.
The board decided to follow the trend of what other arts council are doing, to have an artistic director and business manager instead of just having an executive director handle both jobs.
Springfield native Tim Rowe has been appointed artistic director. He says that the council is still looking for someone to handle the business side, but the group remains in a strong financial position and there's been no change to the organization's mission.
"Those positions are being filled internally. Much of the business manager's position was already being provided by a couple of our office staff," Rowe says. "So, we're currently working with our staff to redistribute some duties and continue with business as usual."
David White, III had been serving as executive director since August, taking over for Chris Moore who retired from the position after holding it for 39 years.
Moore has been given the title of director emeritus by the arts council and will help guide the organization during its restructuring.