RAC Announces Resignation of Felicia W. Shaw as Executive Director

CONTACT: Sherry Sissac: 314-863-5811, ext. 1004

ST. LOUIS (November 18, 2019) – The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC) has announced that Felicia W. Shaw has resigned from her role as executive director. During her four-year tenure at RAC, Shaw led the organization through a detailed strategic planning process that will be finalized in the next few months.

“Over the past four years, Felicia Shaw has made many contributions to the arts community in St. Louis,” said Mont Levy, chairman of the Regional Arts Commission. “We are grateful for her vision during this important phase and look forward to implementing the plan she helped build to fully serve the arts and culture community in St. Louis.”

Effective today, Celia L. Hosler will lead the organization as interim executive director. Hosler has spent her career in the not-for-profit sector, including serving as COO and CFO at COCA and consulting with numerous local arts organizations. The Regional Arts Commission hopes to name a new executive director within six-to-nine months.

Sherry Sissac will continue to serve as deputy director, overseeing organizational planning and development. Erika Fiola, director, Strategic Initiatives, will oversee grants during this interim period. The Regional Arts Commission will begin the 2020–2021 grant cycle as usual.

“The team at the Regional Arts Commission has made an incredible difference in the St. Louis area over the past three decades, and we will continue that impact during this transition,” said Levy. “We have a great, dedicated team in place today, and they will remain focused on their work in the arts community.”