FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Germantown, Maryland – The Board of Trustees of BlackRock Center for the Arts announces it has named Lynn Andreas Arndt, JD, to serve as Chief Executive Officer beginning August 19. Arndt is a long-time resident of Montgomery County, and has most recently served as COO of Interfaith Works for several years, and prior to that was Deputy Director of Rockville Community Ministries for 6 years.

We are thrilled that Lynn will be putting her energy, creativity, and most of all her business and development acumen to work for BlackRock. Lynn knows the community well, and her proven success in development will be a huge asset to BlackRock,” said Melane Kinney Hoffmann, Chair of the Board of Trustees at BlackRock. John Compton, Vice Chair of the Board, added, “Lynn impressed the Board with her enthusiasm and thoughtful ideas for how BlackRock can further engage our community, and build on and celebrate our area’s rich diversity.”

As CEO Arndt will oversee all aspects of BlackRock’s operations and programs, including its series of performances and workshops on three stages; a robust arts education program including dance, theater, music, and visual arts; an award-winning art gallery; and various community outreach and partnership programs.

Arndt said “I am honored to join this exciting center of cultural and community life. Having lived close by for more than 25 years, I know firsthand how important BlackRock is to our community. I look forward to working with an exceptional Board, dedicated staff, many treasured volunteers, and the vibrant business community to continue building on BlackRock’s success.”

Hoffmann acknowledged the debt BlackRock owes to Alyona Ushe, Executive Director, who has been at the helm of BlackRock since 2017, and has expanded BlackRock’s creative offerings and outreach in the community. “Alyona’s artistic vision, including BlackRock without Borders, the Creative Consortium that supports other local arts organizations, and the creation of new, free outdoor festivals gives us a great roadmap for the next generation of BlackRock. We look forward to building on her vision, working with our great staff, volunteers, and members.” Ushe is excited to be returning to Florida to resume her connections with its arts communities, where she previously launched new cultural arts centers in Delray Beach and Pompano Beach. “I am thrilled to pass the baton to Lynn. Her immense nonprofit experience and her passion for building collaborations in Montgomery County will benefit BlackRock greatly.”