New director joins Paint Creek Center for the Arts

The Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA) Board of Directors has hired Elizabeth Chilton as its new executive director to replace current director Tami Salisbury, who will remain on staff as director of development for the center.

Chilton brings more than 20 years of experience working in the region's cultural sector. She has a decade of successful fundraising experience, including corporate, foundation and individual giving as director of development for both the Detroit Science Center and Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit. Most recently, she served as manager of curatorial affairs for the Arab American National Museum. She also served as director of exhibit content for the Detroit Science Center and has collaboratively led the development, design, curation and installation of hundreds of exhibits.

"We have confidence that Elizabeth's background and enthusiasm will be a good fit for PCCA as we move into the future," said the center's president, Chris Tanana.

Chilton's experience includes strategic planning, managing multi-million dollar projects and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and nationally-recognized artists. She is the founding director of the Exhibit Professionals Group and an active member of the board of directors for two national professional networks (museum exhibitors and curators) for the American Alliance of Museums.

Salisbury, who has served as executive director since 2014, will stay on until September to ensure a seamless transition through the center's signature event, the annual Art & Apples Festival.

"I am proud to have worked with PCCA Board, staff, local businesses and community members to return PCCA to a solid, stable financial footing," Salisbury said. "To ensure the organization's success going forward, I have agreed to remain on staff to assist with the transition. Paint Creek Center for the Arts is an incredible asset in Rochester and I'm delighted it will be in good hands with Elizabeth."