Hart named executive director of Bonifas Art Center

What's happening: The Bonifas Art Center in Escanaba, one of the Upper Peninsula’s largest proponents of the arts, has named Chelsea Hart as executive director. The move will help promote programs focusing on local artists, artist collaboration and finding new community outreach and funding programs. The appointment enables the former resident, an alumna of Northern Michigan University, to return to the area. Hart also has had some of her work featured at the center.

Hart's experience: Hart has a long background in the nonprofit sector, working with groups like AmeriCorps and Boy Scouts of America. In her latest role, she served as the development director at the Cradle of Liberty Council in Philadelphia, which provides various formative experiences for children and teenagers. Much of her work there focused on donor cultivation processes, organizing active fundraising events for the public and traditional campaigns through direct mail. Bonifas leaders say Hart’s experience in these roles will give her the leadership capabilities needed to lead the center and achieve its various goals.

What they're saying: “I am thrilled to join the Bonifas team and to work alongside such a dedicated group of staff and volunteers,” Hart says. “Together, we will build on the organization’s strengths and pursue innovative strategies to enhance our impact in the community.”      

What's next: Meetings are on the calendar for Hart and the Bonifas staff as they look to start transferring roles and responsibilities to the new director.