ST. LOUIS – (March 16, 2017) – The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC) announced the promotion of Sherry Sissac to the position of Deputy Director.

Sissac, now holding the second highest management position within RAC, will report directly to Executive Director Felicia Shaw, helping to establish the programs and policies that will drive the organization’s growth and the strategies that will advance RAC as a critical player in the region’s cultural economy.

Sissac’s promotion was part of a significant reorganization Shaw implemented since joining the organization as executive director in 2015. “As we roll out new partnerships and initiatives over the coming months and years, our success depends on strong leadership skills, which Sissac demonstrates in every aspect of her work. I am thrilled to have her as my second in command,” said Shaw.

Sissac brings nearly three decades of experience in brand building and business development. Throughout the last three years, Sissac served as RAC’s director of marketing and external affairs, where she was responsible for organizational strategy and thought leadership in arts marketing for over 200 arts and cultural institutions throughout St.  Louis. Under her direction, RAC successfully launched the STL Arts App, recognized as one of the most comprehensive arts and culture events app in the region. Sissac also spearheads the St. Louis region’s Arts & Economic Prosperity Economic Impact Report in partnership with the Americans for the Arts and its fifth national study. The 2017 Economic Impact Report (AEP5) will be released this summer.

Sissac has spent notable time in both media and healthcare sectors in St. Louis and Chicago, overseeing policy development, branding operations and several award-winning marketing campaigns. A native St. Louisan, Sissac is also known for her years as news anchor and public affairs producer and host for KDNL television. As a civic volunteer, her community involvement spans over 25 years in the arts and education, with a critical focus on youth and fostering economic development for under-resourced communities.

Her professional associations and training include the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE), Americans for the Arts (AFTA), National Arts Marketing Project (NAMP), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Studer Group Leadership Development, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Poynter Institute for Media Studies, Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development (SHSMD), and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).

About the Regional Arts Commission www.racstl.org
The Regional Arts Commission (RAC) is at the forefront of efforts to transform St. Louis into a more vibrant, creative and economically thriving community by elevating the vitality, value and visibility of the arts. It is the largest annual funder of the arts in the region, and since its inception in 1985, RAC has awarded more than 6,900 grants totaling over $97 million to support nonprofit arts, individual artists, cultural organizations, consortiums and programs. Directed by a board of 15 commissioners appointed by the chief executives of St. Louis City and St. Louis County, RAC is a pivotal force in the continuing development and marketing of the arts in the region. Visit www.racstl.org for more information, or follow us on Facebook at Regional Arts Commission or Twitter @RACStLouis.
 
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