
The Arkansas Arts Center announced Monday that Lisa Jones Black had been named director of development and Katie Campbell had been named director of its children’s theater and performing Arts.
Black comes to the Arkansas Arts Center from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she was division director of development and major gifts. She brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, philanthropy, market research and community collaboration, the center said.
“Lisa brings a remarkable depth of knowledge to our team,” Executive Director Victoria Ramirez said in a news release. “Her experience with donor stewardship, community relations and strategic planning could not come at a more perfect time as we work toward the opening of a reimagined Arkansas Arts Center — and beyond.”
Black will lead fundraising efforts with corporations, foundations, members and individual donors. She will also work with campaign co-chairs Harriet and Warren Stephens on the Arkansas Arts Center’s $128 million fundraising campaign to renovate and expand the Arts Center’s MacArthur Park campus.

Campbell has been interim artistic director of the children’s theater. She’ll now be responsible for overseeing all artistic, administrative and operational aspects of the theater and performing arts programming, including theater, puppetry, literary programs, dance and film. She previously served as associate director for the Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre.
“Katie has been a creative force for the Arts Center for many years,” Ramirez said. “Her innovative ideas and skill in creating memorable and engaging experiences for our community will continue with a broader focus on a full complement of performing arts programs and an increased focus on cultural partnerships. This expansion of our theatre outreach is part of a larger strategic vision for performing arts experiences for all ages in our newly renovated theatre spaces opening in 2022.”
Campbell is a director, performer, puppet artist and teaching artist. She has worked at the Arts Center for 11 years.