The Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County is thrilled to welcome three new staff members to its team to enhance its capacity in development, grants and facilities management.

Chris Walker was selected to serve as the organization's new facilities manager. In this position, Walker will oversee the daily operations of all Arts Council buildings and grounds. Chris joins the Arts Council team after working at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in a variety of roles. In his free time Walker is an active member of the local and regional theater communities. 

“I’m happy to work for an organization that aligns with my interests, even if my day-to-day job is to support other departments,” expressed Walker in a press release. “It’s exciting to help people who are working towards expanding the arts in a progressive and inclusive way.”

Randi Dagenhart has joined the Arts Council’s team as its grants assistant. An alumna of University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Dagenhart received her BA in Political Science and Management. Her professional experience includes working in higher education research and advocacy, local government technical assistance and grant writing. Away from work, Randi enjoys spending time in nature and writing poetry inspired by wildlife and the natural environment.

“I’m motivated by the positive impact that the Arts has had in re-energizing the area and in connecting diverse communities,” said Dagenhart in a press release. “I’m eager to help independent artists, organizations and municipalities access funding opportunities to support their efforts and programming.”

The Arts Council hired Josh Murray to serve as the director of development. In this role, Josh will oversee the organization’s fundraising efforts, partnerships and opportunities for growth. Murray has a decorated background in education, receiving his BA and MA in English from the University of Georgia and his PhD in English from Kent State University. He has spent the last seven years serving as an English professor at Fayetteville State University. In his free time, Josh is a musician and songwriter who enjoys performing around town at local venues.

“I’m excited to share the amazing stories coming out of the Arts Council’s programs and events, connect with the many arts supporters in our community, and advocate for continued investment in the arts throughout Fayetteville and Cumberland County,” expressed Murray in a press release.

President/CEO of the Arts Council, Robert Pinson is encouraged by the continued growth of the organization’s staff stating in a press release: “I am thrilled to be adding Chris, Randi, and Josh to our Arts Council Team. The skills and talents they bring will make us an even stronger organization and better able to expand our cultural reach with enhanced service to all in our community.”