After 22 years with the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, including the past five years as Executive Director, Jennifer Unger is stepping down from her leadership role with TRAHC.
Unger became Executive Director in 2021, but her time with TRAHC began much earlier. Over 17 years, she served in several roles, including Teaching Artist and Education Director, before assuming the organization’s top leadership position.
During her time with TRAHC, Unger has been involved in a number of important projects and initiatives. She has served as a national arts integration consultant and on the advisory committee for the Kennedy Center Partners in Education.
She was also instrumental in the vision for transforming the historic Offenhauser Building at 518 Pine Street in Texarkana, Texas into TRAHC’s new ArtSpace, a multi-use community arts building.
A New Chapter for TRAHC
Although Unger is stepping down, she will continue working closely with the TRAHC board and executive leadership to help ensure a smooth transition.
Unger said in a recent press release,
Working with TRAHC was an unforgettable journey of community, resilience, and impact. I am excited to see the organization continue to grow our programs and to reach even more people.
She also expressed her appreciation for the TRAHC staff, board and community, saying the accomplishments made during her time with the organization were the result of everyone who supported its mission.
She stated,
The arts are for everyone, and I love that our programs live out this vision.
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TRAHC Interim Executive Director Named
In the meantime, the TRAHC Board of Directors has unanimously voted to name Marcus Zwiebel, TRAHC’s Visual Arts Director, as interim executive director.
Zwiebel joined TRAHC in 2024 after earning his master’s degree in Arts Administration from Indiana University-Bloomington. TRAHC board president Louise Tausch said Zwiebel’s education and experience with the organization make him well-suited to guide TRAHC during the transition.
The board plans to begin a national search for TRAHC’s next permanent executive director soon.
Tausch said the board and staff are focused on maintaining TRAHC’s current services while also preparing for new programs and opportunities. TRAHC will also celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, so it will be a special year of celebration.
As TRAHC moves into its next chapter, the organization plans to continue its mission of bringing the arts to the Texarkana community and inspiring creativity in people of all ages.
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