Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance Executive Director, Amanda Kate Marquez, Named Top Nonprofit CEO in Southern Arizona

SAACA Executive Director awarded for dynamic contributions to the region.

Amanda Kate Marquez was recognized by Tucson Local Media and Inside Tucson Business as an outstanding executive in our community at the Executive Excellence Dinner and Awards on November 1, 2017.

Formerly known as the CFO Awards, the Executive Excellent Dinner and Awards honored 42 executives that are CEO's, COO's, CFO's or an Executive Level Department Head, and Kate came out on top.

Ms. Marquez has lead the nonprofit for over 11 years with exemplary results. She began with the organization in 2006 as a Development Director for the previously named Greater Oro Valley Arts Council. A year later, she was promoted to Executive Director. Under her tenure, she has directed the transformation of the organization into a model with sustainable growth and groundbreaking program areas such as arts therapy and arts education outreach. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance has since grown to become one of the largest multi-disciplinary presenting arts organizations in the region, dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts.

In addition to the innovative programming, each year SAACA provides hundreds of opportunities for artists in the community to present and exhibit their artwork in the community through culinary, arts and music based events and festivals.

"Kate Marquez has been a force in the Southern Arizona arts community for over a decade and has exemplified outstanding leadership and dedication to our region." says SAACA Board of Directors President, Tom Binder. "Kate's knowledge, experience and commitment to the advancement of the arts is evident in every aspect of the organization's conduct."

Ms. Marquez is also the Founder of Arizona Business Committee for the Arts (AZBCA) and, this year, has expanded the programming statewide. AZBCA spearheads Arts and Business integration programs through the enhancement of business practices, strengthening our economy, increasing employee engagement and improving creative thinking skills through creative arts based approaches.

Marquez is also a Private Sector Advisory Council Member for the American for the Arts.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.