December 28, 2016 (Hyannis, MA) – The Board of Directors of the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) has announced the appointment of Rana Murphy as its new Board Chair, effective January 1, 2017.
Murphy, a Senior Vice President at Eastern Bank, has served on the AFCC’s Board of Directors for the past 10 years. She replaces Bruce Bierhans, who served as the Board Chair for the past two years. He will remain on the AFCC Executive Committee as the Immediate Past Chair.
Joining Murphy and Bierhans on the Executive Committee is Erin Madden of Cape Cod Media Group, who assumes the role of Vice Chair. The Board’s vote was unanimous.
“I am energized by the opportunity to work with such a committed board and talented team of professionals during this exciting time for arts and culture on Cape Cod,” said Murphy.
Both she and AFCC Executive Director Julie Wake credited Bierhans for guiding the arts nonprofit and bringing it to new heights in recent years. “Our organization continued its substantial growth under Bruce’s leadership,” said Wake. “He has been a tremendous asset to the AFCC with his knowledge of the Cape’s business sector, and it was our pleasure to follow his leadership.”
Wake expressed confidence that this sustained level of excellence will continue under Murphy’s tenure. “The AFCC team is excited to work with Rana Murphy and Erin Madden. Rana has a graceful determination with years of board experience that will help drive the AFCC to the next level. Erin is energetic, supportive, and a creative thinker who will add value as we build upon the AFCC’s legacy,” said Wake.
The statement was echoed by Bierhans, who has been actively involved in the Cape’s arts and culture sector for over 45 years. “It was a real honor to be asked to lead the Arts Foundation through a period of transition,” he said. “I would like to thank the entire AFCC board and staff for all their assistance during the past two years, and I know that Rana, Julie and Erin will be great leaders as the organization continues to fulfill its mission as a strong advocate for our arts and cultural community.”
The AFCC’s mission is to support, promote, and celebrate the arts and culture of Cape Cod. It fulfills its mission by funding grants, fellowships, and scholarships; by advocating for more awareness on the impact the Cape’s creative economy has on our region and beyond; and by building a strong arts community network through membership.