The Dona Ana Arts Council (DAAC)Board of Directors announcesthey have hired Gregory Z. Smith, former District 2 City Councilor, as DAAC’s new Executive Director effectiveJanuary 6, 2020. Here is a statement from DAAC: The Board accepted the resignation of Steve Ruwoldt in early December. Ruwoldt servedas Executive Director of the Council from October 1 until December 10, 2019.
According to DAAC Board President Dan Lere, “We are thrilled that Greg Smith has agreed to take on the challenging position of Executive Director of the Dona Ana Arts Council. He not only brings great leadership skills to the organization, but he also has demonstrated a real interest and support for the arts in this area for many years. As we make this transition we also want to thank Steven Ruwoldt for his time and work with the council. We respect his decision to explore other opportunities.”
In addition to serving as a City Councilor for eight years, Greg Smith brings experience in non-profit organization management as well as small business management. In a statement from Smith he says “My grandfather said that some of the best things that had happened in his life had been things he hadn't planned on. I can very happily say that I hadn't planned on being the executive director of the Doña Ana Arts Council, but it feels like an excellent fit! I appreciate the trust of the Board of Directors, and I look forward to great things happening.
DAACwas founded as a non-profit organization in 1971 whose mission is, through the arts, to enhance the quality of life and develop the cultural, education and economic growth of our community. The Renaissance ArtsFaire, Las Cruces Arts Fair and Community Arts Awards are the organization’s signature annual events. DAAC also is an integral part of the recently established Arts & Cultural District in downtown Las Cruces, and hopes to expand and unite an artistic vision for the City of Las Cruces, the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership and the numerous arts organizations and businesses that make up the Arts & Cultural District.