Arts Council announces staff promotions
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is pleased to announce the promotion of two dedicated staff members. Sarah Busman and Kashia Knight are moving into new roles at the organization, bringing changes that reflect the Arts Council’s ongoing commitment to connecting with the community and advancing arts education initiatives.
Sarah Busman, formerly the Arts Education Manager, has been promoted to the newly created position of Director of Community Engagement. In her new role, Busman is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage diverse community members in the Arts Council's initiatives. Busman manages direct artist engagement by supervising staff responsible for the Arts Council’s Mini Grant, Artist Support Grant, Artists In Schools, Artist in Residence, primary exhibit, and Local Artist Spotlight Gallery initiatives.
Kashia Knight, formerly the Grants Assistant, has been promoted to the position of Arts Education Manager. In her new capacity, Knight manages the Artists In Schools and Mini Grant programs providing administrative and logistical support to individual artists and Cumberland County schools.
Knight has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting the grants department. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and foster meaningful learning experiences will be instrumental in advancing the arts education programs.
“Promoting Sarah to the Director of Community Engagement and Kashia to the Arts Education Manager marks an exciting new chapter for the Arts Council. Their combined leadership and vision will enhance our mission to enrich, inspire, and connect our community through the arts. We are confident their expanded roles will deepen and diversify our community outreach and further elevate arts education opportunities across Fayetteville and Cumberland County," said Kennon Jackson, Jr., Arts Council Chief of Staff.
New Airport Director to land at Fayetteville Regional Airport beginning Oct. 2
The City of Fayetteville has selected a new Airport Director to lead the regional airport into the next chapter beginning Oct. 2.
Andrew LaGala, Aviation operation and management professional, was selected as the new Fayetteville Regional Airport Director after an exhaustive 11-month search.
“His extensive experience is very impressive,” said Fayetteville City Manager Douglas Hewett.
He has over 30 years of experience in the aviation field and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He holds a private pilot’s license and is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, receiving his professional designation of Accredited Airport Executive in 2018.
“I am excited to have been selected to assume this critical leadership role as airport director of Fayetteville Regional Airport and to contribute to the airport’s continued success and growth,” said LaGala. “Maintaining an efficient full-service airport with quality airline service is a key element in local economic development efforts, and I see tremendous opportunity for FAY to enhance its potential to contribute to those efforts.”
LaGala most recently served as the Airport Director for Lynchburg Regional Airport for the last five years. He spearheaded several efforts in that role including a post-COVID development strategic plan to recover airline flight frequency, and rehabilitated the primary runway at Lynchburg Regional Airport.
“Andrew’s knowledge of both airport operations and air service development will serve the airport well in our future expansion efforts,” added Hewett. “We've already completed more than $60 million in capital improvements over the last several years, were able to secure two additional flights to Atlanta, received $5 million for an international terminal and will break ground on a consolidated rental car facility shortly.”