Judy Hixenbaugh recently announced that she will be retiring at the end of the month from her position as executive director of the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach. Hixenbaugh began her career with the Cultural Center eight years ago as the director of development. Under her leadership, the Cultural Center introduced the PVB Home and Art Tour, now one of the largest and most profitable fundraisers of the organization.
Three years ago, Hixenbaugh was promoted to the executive director position following the retirement of Dick Williams.
"It's been and honor and a privilege to serve as the executive director of the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach," Hixenbaugh said. "I've had the opportunity to work closely with our amazing and talented staff and board of directors, combined with the unyielding support from our generous community."
"Together we have continued to grow our core arts programs and have begun planning for an expansion of our arts center in the near future," she added.
During Hixenbaugh's tenure, the art tuition enrollment set new records, the sound connections music therapy outreach program for children with special needs expanded from one elementary school to four and fundraising events grew popular enough for larger venues.
Hixenbaugh has been involved with community and board leaders to expand the Cultural Center from its current 7,800 square foot facility to a state-of-the-art, 15,000 square foot arts center. Hixenbaugh plans to remain active with the Cultural Center following her retirement. She will participate in the Steering Committee for the new building and she has been invited to join the board of directors in 2018.
Latitia (Tish) Sheesley will replace Hixenbaugh as the new Cultural Center executive director effective Nov. 1.
