The Batesville Area Arts Council announces a new executive director, Melissa Moenter effective July 15, 2023. Melissa has previously served as the vice president on the BAAC board and is currently serving as president. She replaces Sarah Heppner, who is retiring from the director position after 8 years.
On her 8 years as Executive Director for BAAC, Heppner reflected, "Being the director of the Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) has been an amazing highlight of my life. I am grateful to have been a part of an organization that has impacted both my professional life as a teacher in the Batesville School Corporation and in my family's life where my children benefited from BAAC's programs, leading two of them into arts-related careers. Witnessing the true inner workings of an organization that prioritizes the importance of the arts in our schools and community while collaborating with many other important local organizations, has been an honor. I am excited for Melissa to take the reins and continue BAAC's growth. Her experience, work ethic, and love for the arts will make her an excellent director."
Incoming board President Paul Satchwill added, “The board is ecstatic to welcome Melissa Moenter to the role of BAAC Executive Director. Melissa has served the board in a variety of ways that have equipped her to take on this new role. Her vision and heart will serve the board greatly in our mission to foster a love for the arts and provide art experiences in our community. Sarah Heppner has been a tremendous Director for 8 years, and her dedication to the council will make for a successful transition.”
Moenter is married to Jon Moenter, design engineer at Baxter and has two daughters, Katie (13) and Lily (11), both students at BCSC. She expressed her enthusiasm to serve BAAC and the community in her new role. “We moved to Batesville nearly 9 years ago with Hillrom. While it's much smaller than other places I've lived, the town has so much to offer with all the perks of small-town living. Many of the wonderful events, experiences, and activities in Batesville are thanks to the work of volunteers-- people with big hearts and passion for their organizations. That's what led me to the BAAC. I got involved with Peter Pan in 2018, and I've been serving on the Arts Council in some capacity ever since. BAAC's impact on our community is immediately evident in all six area schools, the array of artwork downtown, and the additions to our community calendar. As my year of serving as BAAC President winds down, I am excited to continue supporting this organization in a new way. Sarah has done such a great job as Executive Director these past eight years, and I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful predecessor.”
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