Arts Council hires new president and CEO

Photo courtesy of Business Report.

The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge can finally get down to business now that it has a new president and CEO on board.

The nonprofit organization announced this morning that Renee M. Chatelain has been hired as its new president and chief executive officer. Chatelain takes over the position after Eric Holowacz resigned in February. Details of his resignation are still unclear.

Chatelain currently serves as the executive director of the Manship Theatre. She has held the position for the past five years. In a press release, Chatelain says she is thrilled “to advocate and support arts and cultural initiatives in Baton Rouge and the surrounding area.”

Chatelain, who was named an Influential Woman in Business by Business Report, has previous experience working as an arts administrator and teacher at Episcopal High School and the Dunham School.

“She has the knowledge, experience and leadership qualities to bring the Arts Council to a new level of impact in our community,” says Brian Haymon, chair of the Arts Council Board of Directors, in a press release.

Chatelain will assume her new role later this summer, following a transition period that begins immediately. She will be introduced at the Arts Council’s annual meeting Tuesday, June 16, at the LSU Museum of Art at 6 p.m. The public can attend the meeting.