The Pompano Beach CRA has appointed Jody Leshinsky to the new position of Cultural Executive Director, where she will manage and program both Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA) and the Historic Ali Cultural Arts. A leading figure in the Broward County arts scene, Leshinsky retired in 2016 after a 35-year government career where she served as the Assistant Director of the Broward Cultural Division. Leshinsky will build upon the success of the two Pompano Beach venues and will initiate new platforms to expand the reach of the City’s emerging Cultural Arts District.

“We are honored that Jody has joined our team,” said Sharon McCormick, director of business attraction and marketing at RMA, which manages the Pompano Beach CRA. “She is a tremendous asset who brings outstanding management skills, vast experience in growing cultural organizations and the incredible respect of the South Florida cultural community.”

During her tenure with the Broward Cultural Division, one of more than 5,000 local arts agencies in the U.S.,Leshinsky acted as a critical liaison to other government departments, 31 municipalities, 823 not-for-profit arts organizations and 10,000 artists.She was a facilitator for collaborations, entrepreneurial ventures and artistic development, in addition to all marketing, public relations, advertising and social media for the Division. She was alsoinstrumental in securing numerous grant awards from the National Endowment of the Arts; the State Division of Cultural Affairs and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and has been the editor and publisher of Cultural Quarterly, a fine-arts magazine for 28 years.

Most recently, as the Vice President of Administration for the Cultural Arts Creatives, Inc., a nonprofit presenting organization, she was part of the team that was instrumental in opening the new 400-seat Pompano Beach Cultural Center, as well as the management and programming of the Pompano Beach Amphitheater.

“Bailey Contemporary Arts and Ali Cultural Arts are at the epicenter of the dynamic growth in Pompano Beach. Located in the heart of the Innovation District, these cultural venues serve as a magnet for residents and artists alike. I am excited to be working with the outstanding teams at both venues to expand programming, increase interaction and create an invaluable resource for our community and beyond.”

Leshinsky has been honored many times through the years with national, regional and local awards of excellence, including awards from the National Association of County Information Officers, The Greater Fort Lauderdale Advertising Federation and the International Association of Business Communicators.

With a strong belief is giving back to the community, she has served on many boards including the Advertising Federation of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Downtown Development Authority, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and currently serves as president of the Carbonell Awards Board of Directors, the Tonys of South Florida.