Barbara DuVal Fenster to Step Down as Free Arts of Arizona Executive Director

Barb DuVal Fenster is stepping down as executive director of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona effective July 1 to focus on her health. Deputy Director Alicia Sutton Campbell has been named as Fenster's successor.

Fenster said her decision was based on the effects of a recently diagnosed health issue "that is not life-threatening but, in addition to being incredibly annoying, really requires my complete attention and focus. This was not an easy decision because I love everything about Free Arts, but it is the right decision for me personally and for the organization. And we couldn't have a better person taking on Free Arts' leadership than Alicia."

Fenster joined Free Arts as executive director in 2010 and was a 2011 Piper Fellow.

"Barb came to Free Arts at the toughest point of the economic downturn, a difficult time for the business community, but particularly for nonprofit organizations," said Free Arts Board of Directors President Mike Cohn. "She shepherded Free Arts through the recession, helped build a secure financial base and expanded programs for a deeper reach into the community. Barb leaves Free Arts in great shape and in great hands and now is the time for her to concentrate on her health."

Alicia Campbell Sutton joined Free Arts in June 2012 as Director of Programs and was named Deputy Director in March 2014. Previously, she had been a Course Facilitator and Interim Director of Employee Relations at Thunderbird School of Global Management, where she earned her MBA. Her experience also includes responsibilities with Childsplay, the Maricopa County Department of Health and as Interim Managing Director at Theater Works.

"With the foundation Barb has created for Free Arts, we're well prepared to take the organization to the next level," Sutton said. "Having worked with Barb and the entire team, it's very easy to understand how Free Arts becomes much more than a job, but a deep and rewarding part of your life."

Jessica Flowers, currently Program Manager for the Professional Artist Series and Director of the Free Arts Summer Camp, will take on Sutton's former responsibilities as Director of Programs.

For more information about Free Arts, visit www.freeartsaz.org.