Fund for the Arts Names Smith Permanent President, CEO

The Fund for the Arts board of directors announced today their unanimous decision to approve Barbara Sexton Smith as president and CEO of the organization. The decision follows a year-long search to replace former president Allan Cowen. In a statement, board president David Calzi said the board was committed to finding the best candidate during their year-long search.“Over the last twelve months it became increasingly clear that the right candidate was already leading the charge,” he said.Smith has served as interim president since last April, following Cowen's retirement. Cowen retired shortly after a public outcry over an intimidating voicemail he left for Louisville Visual Art Assocation director Shannon Westerman after Westerman signed a letter that Cowen perceived to be critical of his work.