The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance (PACA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marialaura Leslie as its new Executive Director. A nationally respected arts leader with more than 30 years of experience, Mrs. Leslie brings an exceptional record of achievement in arts administration, nonprofit leadership, cultural policy, public art, fundraising, grantmaking, advocacy, arts education, and community engagement.
Mrs. Leslie joins PACA following a distinguished career leading and supporting arts and cultural organizations at the local, state, and national levels. Most recently, she served as a Senior Consultant with Creative Strategy Group, where she provided executive leadership and arts management services to a variety of clients, including serving as Director of the Florida Alliance for Arts Education.
Prior to her consulting work, Mrs. Leslie served as Director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, one of the nation’s largest local arts agencies, with an annual budget of approximately $100 million. During her tenure, she helped strengthen arts organizations and artists through grant programs and technical assistance; expanded access to arts education; advanced cultural equity initiatives; oversaw cultural facility development and operations; managed hundreds of public art projects; and stewarded a public art collection of more than 1,500 works.
“Marialaura is a seasoned arts professional who has demonstrated skills in organizational management, fund development, strategic planning and outreach,” said Michell Githens, Chair of the PACA Board of Directors. “Her experience in arts advocacy at community and state levels will benefit Polk County’s arts and cultural organizations both short and long-term. Her enthusiasm and passion for the arts is evident and infectious. The Board is excited to work with her as the Executive Director of PACA.”
The Board of Directors also extends its sincere appreciation to Beth Cummings, who has served as Interim Executive Director during this leadership transition. Under her guidance, PACA maintained momentum in its programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts while conducting a comprehensive executive search. As Mrs. Leslie assumes the role of Executive Director, Cummings will transition back to serving as a member of the PACA Board of Directors, where her knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the organization will continue to benefit the arts and cultural community throughout Polk County.
As Executive Director, Mrs. Leslie will lead PACA’s efforts to strengthen the arts and cultural ecosystem across Polk County through advocacy, partnerships, capacity building, public awareness, and strategic initiatives that support artists, arts organizations, and creative communities.
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