Leadership Transition Announcement
December 1st, 2025
We are writing to share an important leadership update at Doña Ana Arts Council.
Karrie Porter has concluded her service as Executive Director, effective November 22, 2025. We are grateful for her dedication and the work contributed to advancing our mission. We extend our sincere appreciation and warm wishes for her next chapter.
To ensure continuity and stability, the Board of Directors has appointed Rev. JeKaren Bell to serve as Interim Executive Director, beginning November 25, 2025.
She brings valuable experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and organizational management, and will guide day-to-day operations during this transition period.
Over the next several weeks, the Board will launch a formal search for a permanent Executive Director. This process will include opportunities for input from staff, partners, members, and community stakeholders. We are committed to a thoughtful, transparent search that reflects our values and positions the organization for long-term strength.
During the interim period, Rev. JeKaren Bell will work closely with the Board to:
Support staff and maintain program continuity
Steward community relationships and partnerships
Sustain operational and financial stability
Prepare the organization for a smooth transition to permanent leadership
We recognize that leadership transitions are significant moments, and we are deeply grateful for the support and trust of our community as we move forward. Doña Ana Arts Council remains strong, mission-centered, and committed to serving our community with creativity, compassion, and integrity.
Please join us in welcoming Rev. JeKaren Bell into this role.
For questions or further information, you may contact Misty Morton, President at admin@daarts.org.
Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting the work that makes Doña Ana Arts Council thrive.
Warmly,
The Board of Directors
Doña Ana Arts Council
The Doña Ana Arts Council has supported creative expression in Southern New Mexico since 1971. Located in downtown Las Cruces near the Farmers Market, we host gallery exhibits, workshops, and cultural events year-round. We are also proud organizers of the Las Cruces Renaissance Arts Faire, a community tradition since the 1970s.
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As an arts nonprofit, we use our Main and Staszewski Galleries to spotlight local and national artists across diverse mediums, backgrounds, and local arts associations. These rotating exhibits foster creativity, connection, and cultural enrichment, making our gallery space a vital hub for the arts community.
We aim to empower community members of all ages to explore, create, and connnect through the arts. The Doña Ana Arts Council collaborates with schools, non-profits, and arts associations locally and across the South West to amplify voices, educate, and build communities.
The Doña Ana Arts Council hosts a spectrum of events from small live concerts, dance performances, artists talks, creative poetry speaking, and more, all in our gallery spaces! We are also organizers of the city-wide Las Cruces Renaissance Arts Festival. Every event is community-driven to enhance local businesses and creative industries.