Springfield Regional Arts Council names interim director

The Springfield Regional Arts Council board has selected an interim director to replace Sandra CH Smith, whose last day was Friday.

The board on May 20 voted unanimously to install Leah Hamilton Jenkins as interim director. Jenkins is coordinator of the Arts Programming Sustainability Initiative, an effort conceived by area nonprofit agencies and universities to bring Springfield's cultural offerings under one brand to raise awareness and money for the arts.

Jenkins was formerly the education director at the arts council.

Smith announced earlier this month that she would resign effective today after more than two years to move back to Eureka Springs, Ark. She said she wants to take a more active role in running her business, Cliff Cottage Inn, which she said has suffered from her absentee ownership.