After three months of intensive deliberation, the Eatonton-Putnam Arts Foundation (EPAF) has announced its long awaited new organizational platform designed to create the next decade of growth.

Mylle Mangum, chairperson of the EPAF Board said, “This is not a decision that we took lightly. Our process was deliberate and very focused. The result of what we are announcing today is an organizational structure that will foster growth, reward the community with exciting performances, educate our children with artistic programs and scholarships, and carry our organization forward through the next decade.”

At the heart of this new organization is a “co-director structure” equally divided between Nicole Richard, promoted to director of The Plaza Arts Center, and Lorraine Gallagher, newly hired as director of The Eatonton-Putnam Arts Foundation.

“Nicole Richard, who joined us 11 months ago to manage operations and administration, has The Plaza Arts Center running like a Swiss watch,” said Don Weir, vice chairman of the board. “She believes deeply in the mission of The Plaza Arts Center, has a heartfelt dedication to enhancing the community through artistic endeavors and gets the job done with amazing efficiency and effectiveness.”

“Lorraine Gallagher, or Rainey as we call her,” said Mangum, “is well entrenched in the community and has worked tirelessly in multiple positions on our behalf. She has a deep-seated caring instinct, the drive to make a true difference, and the skills to engage new members, sponsors and the grantors that we seek.”

Gallagher will also star and sing in five performances of “Always…Patsy Cline” coming to The Plaza Nov. 9.

“We are proud to have been voted the ‘Best Performing Arts Center’ two years in a row by voters in the surrounding five county area,” said Weir. “We work very hard to enhance the lifestyle of the community, not just by staging entertaining performances, but through educational outreach programs with schools, our weekly PutnamArts classes, photography and art exhibitions, and our work with partner organizations like OPAS, The Athens Classic Center, The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, and the Stephen Thomas Museum.” Mangum concluded by saying: “After three months of dedicated consideration, there is no doubt in our minds we have created a unique structure, co-directed by Nicole and Rainey, that will serve us and the community for years to come.”