Meet the SRAC Team

Leslie Forrester

Executive Director

Leslie Forrester

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.

Emily Hertzog

Director of Programs & Exhibitions

Emily Hertzog

Director of Programs & Exhibitions
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.

Sarah Abele

Director of Marketing & Development

Sarah Abele

Director of Marketing & Development

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.

Keisha McMillen

Operations Manager

Keisha McMillen

Operations Manager
A force of harmony and balance through the arts, Keisha holds a B.A. in Theatre & Arts Administration from Drury University. In addition to SRAC she serves on the board for Plotline Film & Media Education and the Artists Empowerment Collective.

Tanna Johnson

Bookkeeper

Tanna Johnson

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.

Claire Utley

Corporate Art & First Friday Art Walk Coordinator

Claire Utley

Corporate Art & First Friday Art Walk Coordinator
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.

Leslie Forrester

Executive Director

Emily Hertzog

Director of Programs & Exhibitions

Sarah Abele

Director of Marketing & Development

Keisha McMillen

Operations Manager

Tanna Johnson

Bookeeper

Claire Utley

Corporate Art & First Friday Art Walk Coordinator
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