Executive Director

Dedicated to building a thriving arts and culture community, Leslie Forrester serves as the Executive Director. She came to this role in 2013 after supporting community arts at the Missouri Arts Council. Leslie holds a BFA from Culver-Stockton College and MFA from Southern Utah University in Arts Administration.

A lifelong performer and musician, Emily has been a part of arts in the Ozarks for over three decades. She holds degrees in History and Music from Missouri State University and has fifteen years of experience in education. A steadfast believer in giving back to her community, she serves on the board of directors of several local organizations, is a member of the Junior League of Springfield, and sings in the Springfield Chamber Chorus. Emily is passionate about three things: her family, the arts, and Cardinals baseball.

A multi-faceted Marketing guru with over 10 years of experience, Sarah holds a B.S. in Public Relations from Missouri State University. Prior to joining the SRAC team she dabbled in the worlds of politics, printing, auto parts and can make a killer cupcake.

Operations Manager

Bookeeper

Tanna is a Springfield area native and graduated from Missouri State University with a B.S. in Accounting. She has a diverse background working in various local industries including public and private accounting, as well as healthcare and IT. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and boating on Table Rock Lake.

A lifelong passion for the arts has led Claire to hold a B.A. in Arts Administration and Fine Arts from Drury University. When she isn’t creating, Claire can be found reading murder mystery books or exploring the world with her dog, Oslo.