Father Ryan Arts Center Appoints New Interim Director

Focus on Renewal’s (FOR) leadership team headed by Executive Director Greg Quinlan, announces the appointment of Maggie Johnson as Interim Director of the Father Ryan Arts Center (Ryan Arts). Ms. Johnson is an experienced and successful arts manager, best known in the Pittsburgh region for leading the Pittsburgh is Art Day of Giving visibility campaign, which raised almost $2 million for regional arts organizations in a 24-hour period. She will work with FOR staff and community stakeholders to plan and implement the next phase of the four-year-old arts center.

“I am excited and honored to have this unique opportunity to serve the Sto-Rox community by guiding the Father Ryan Arts Center to the next level of its development. It is a remarkable facility, and I look forward to working with FOR staff and volunteers in maximizing its potential,” said Ms. Johnson.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s Master of Arts Management program, Ms. Johnson has more than a decade of experience in marketing strategy, branding, collaborative partnerships, database management, and strategic planning. She has served in various capacities for Pittsburgh-area nonprofits such as the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Pittsburgh Opera, where she received an “ADDY” Award in 2006 from the Pittsburgh Advertising Federation. As Director of Marketing and Audience Development for the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, she spearheaded multiple collaborative marketing initiatives. Most recently a visiting professor and Director of Community Outreach for Point Park University’s Sport, Arts & Entertainment Management program, she also heads a nonprofit for emerging jazz musicians called JAZZSPACE.

During this interim period that lasts through mid-September, Ms. Johnson will be primarily responsible for leading a grassroots campaign that reintroduces Ryan Arts to the Sto-Rox community. She will also work on new concepts to better utilize the facility and strengthen its business model. The search for a permanent arts center director will begin this summer.

“We are very excited to have Maggie join our team,” says Mr. Quinlan, who was appointed FOR’s Executive Director last October. “Given her strong arts background, passion for community development, and connections to the larger Pittsburgh arts community, we think she is the perfect match for helping us move the vision of the Father Ryan Arts Center forward.”

Ms. Johnson succeeds Patricia J. Moran, who has resigned her position as Director. Ms. Moran guided the development and launch of Ryan Arts and built its vibrant education program that serves over 300 families a year from across the region. “Pat’s leadership brought amazing art experiences to Sto-Rox for many years,” says Mr. Quinlan. “She played an invaluable role in creating the Father Ryan Arts Center. We are all grateful for her dedicated service to the community and wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Winter/Spring 2013 classes at the Father Ryan Arts Center begin on January 22 with open registration through the first week of February.  Scholarships are available. Class schedules and registration information can be found atwww.fatherryanartscenter.org or by calling 412.771.3052.