[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: City manager names Chris Stevens Office of Cultural Affairs manager

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mike Matthes, City Manager
(573) 874-6338

Carol Rhodes, Assistant City Manager
(573) 874-7219

Chris Stevens
(573) 289-0474


City manager names Chris Stevens Office of Cultural Affairs manager

COLUMBIA, MO (December 9, 2011) - City Manager Mike Matthes has named Chris Stevens manager of the city's Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), effective Dec. 19. Stevens will be paid $60,700 annually and receive the standard city employee benefit package. 

Stevens is the permanent successor to former OCA Manager Marie Nau Hunter. Utility Services Specialist Connie Kacprowicz, on loan from Columbia Water and Light, has served as interim manager since March 14.

Matthes said that Stevens will be a visionary force and advocate for the arts in Columbia. "He understands that individuals have very distinct, personal reactions whenever they attend a performance or see something tangible, like sculpture."

"They love the experience, even if they disagree about the art. Chris has great ideas about how to help more people, organizations and businesses get connected to the arts in Columbia," Matthes said.

Stevens said that he hopes to use his background in marketing and development to help nurture Columbia's arts agencies. "I would like to see an increase in attendance and participation in the arts by the entire community," he said. 

Stevens also wants to coordinate more activities with the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, drawing more tourists to take advantage of diverse artistic offerings. He said that he has plans to start an arts foundation to help better support the arts financially.

In addition to working 12 years with Boone County National Bank, Stevens' rich history with the arts includes previous service on the city's Cultural Affairs Commission, the Standing Committee for Public Art, the Missouri Arts Council's Community Arts Panel and as treasurer for Ragtag Film and the True/False Film Festival.

Stevens holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communications, with a minor in art history, from the University of Missouri and was a fine arts appraiser. He lives in Columbia with his wife and daughter.

Stevens was one of two finalists who emerged from a field of 33 applicants. He and finalist Randy Gray, president of Special Place Development, met citizens at a public reception on Nov. 21.


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