History of DCCA

Board Structure and Management Team

2010 Officers, Directors and Staff

History of DCCA

Darke County Center for the Arts was formed in 1978 by a group of 5 local citizens desiring to expand opportunities for cultural enrichment in the community by supporting all of the arts.  The group was comprised of Clara Elliot, John Winters, Nancy Dunn, Ted Finnarn, and Martha Benkert who were also committed to the restoration and preservation of the Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall as an important cultural center for the entire community. 

With strong support from our community, DCCA has presented an Artists Series featuring outstanding performing artists at St. Clair Memorial Hall for the past 30 years.  In cooperation with Greenville City and Darke County Schools, Arts In Education was added in to the programming schedule in 1983, taking performances to the students in our schools.  The Family Theatre Series was inaugurated in 1997, attracting young children, their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents to St. Clair Memorial Hall.  In 2002, DCCA presented its first Missoula Children's Theatre summer residency, offering local students the opportunity to experience the benefits of participation in the performing arts.  DCCA introduced the Coffeehouse Series in 2006, taking artists to local coffeehouses and cafes for a smaller, intimate performance. 

Board Structure and Management Team

DCCA is governed by a board of elected Trustees and Officers.  These volunteer positions are filled by community folks who have a desire to promote the Arts in Darke County.  Trustees are selected through a Nominating Committee and upon vote of members at the annual meeting are elected to three year terms; a Trustee may serve three consecutive terms.  Officer positions consist of Board Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer which are elected annually for one year terms; an Officer may serve 4 consecutive terms.

DCCA Officers and Trustees give of their time to meet monthly at Trustee meetings as well as serve on various committees which guide the organizations' planning processes.  Committees consist of Program Planning Artists Series, Program Planning Family Theater Series, Program Planning Arts In Education, Anna Bier Gallery, Finance and Development, Fund Raising, Hospitality, Legislative, Marketing & Publicity, Membership Benefits, Nominating, and Usher.  In addition to Trustees and Officers, DCCA has four paid staff positions which are appointed by the board:  Executive Director, Artistic Director, Production Director, and Anna Bier Gallery Director.

Officers, Directors & Staff

2010 OFFICERS:

Darryl D. Mehaffie, Chairman

Marilyn Delk, Vice Chair

Alice Keller, Secretary

Gary Benesh, Treasurer

DIRECTORS:

Gary Benesh                  Antonia Baker                 Gary Brown

Marilyn Delk                 D. Todd Durham              Kathleen Floyd

Dr. Doug Gordon           Barbara Greiner              Alice Keller               

Bettye Laughlin             Darryl Mehaffie              MaryAnn Montgomery   

Rev. Joe Payne              Bob Robinson                  Marty Schipfer               

STAFF:

Julie Strait, Executive Director                 

Keith Rawlins, Artistic Director

Marcia Weidner, Anna Bier Gallery Director