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Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County has announced the retirement of Rebecca Jefferson Bender, chief of staff and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 31, 2025. Bender has served the organization with distinction for the last six years, guiding it through pivotal challenges and growth opportunities.

Bender’s decision to retire comes six months later than initially planned, as she maintained continuity on behalf of the organization to span the most recent transition in which Samantha Howard was appointed president and CEO beginning in September 2024.

Bender’s tenure has spanned three presidents and CEOs, a testament to her dedication and adaptability in leading the arts council through times of both crisis and transformation. She first joined the organization as interim CFO in November 2018, following the unexpected resignation of her predecessor. Her leadership was essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she oversaw cash flow management, secured two PPP loans, and ensured the continuation of grants, minimizing layoffs during the shutdown.

Her contributions also include overseeing the completion of the $2.3 million Reynolds Place Theatre renovation project and critical financial restructuring, including the bond requirements for the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts and the sale of key assets. Most recently, she played a crucial role in managing the distribution and record-keeping of $4.5 million in Forsyth County ARPA funds and $1 million in city of Winston-Salem ARPA funds.

In announcing her retirement, Bender expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve Arts Council, saying, “Being a lifelong resident of Forsyth County, I have always recognized the vital role the Arts Council plays in our community. It has been a privilege to contribute to an organization that nurtures creativity and supports cultural development in our region.”

Bender is a Salem College graduate and a CPA, with prior experience at HanesBrands, Inc. and Deloitte & Touche. Her deep connection to Forsyth County and the arts community has been a driving force throughout her career. In her retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren in China and traveling, including an upcoming 2025 trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.

Now Hiring: CFO

As Bender steps into retirement, Arts Council is actively seeking candidates to fill her role as CFO. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial management, nonprofit leadership and operational oversight. This individual will be responsible for continuing the critical work of supporting Arts Council’s mission to advocate for arts and culture in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

Applications for this executive role are now open. Interested candidates can go to intothearts.org/employment-in-the-arts for more details on the position and how to apply.