Downtown Arts District Orlando Announces Newly Appointed 2025-2026 Board Of Directors
October 29, 2025
Downtown Arts District Newest Leaders Continue DAD’s Mission to Enhance the Vibrancy, Accessibility and Economic Development of Downtown Orlando Through Outstanding Visual and Performing Arts, Public Art Programs and Artist Development
Still Ahead for 2025: CityArts Café Grand Opening, Monthly 3rd Thursdays, Midnight on Magnolia and United Arts Collaborative Campaign Kickoff
Orlando, FL (October 29, 2025) – Downtown Orlando’s dynamic arts and cultural organization, the Downtown Arts District, is excited to announce its new Board of Directors for 2025–2026. These individuals will further the Downtown Arts District’s mission to enhance the vibrancy, accessibility and economic development of Downtown Orlando through the presentation of outstanding visual and performing arts, the production of dynamic public art programs and the delivery of high-impact artist training and professional development: Chairman of the Board – Daniel Betancourt (Brightline Trains), Vice Chairman – Casey Hall (Orlando Health), Treasurer – Heather Dartez, PhD (Full Sail University), Secretary – Lindsey Hahn (Realtor® ALL Real Estate & Investments), Parliamentarian – Jaison Radcliff (Form 2 Fashion / The Paper Bar Co.), Immediate Past Chairman of the Board – Kyle Sturley (Greater Orlando Sports Commission) and Board Members – Carol Burkett (Orange County Government), Samantha Daniels (Valley Bank), Marcia Hope Goodwin (City of Orlando), Thomas Kehr (Cole Engineering Services, Inc.), Stefani Lockman (Siemens).
Downtown Arts District is home to the world-renowned CityArts, housed inside the historic Rogers Kiene Building. In addition to CityArts galleries, Downtown Arts District also includes an array of venues for the visual and performing arts and presents numerous programs throughout the year. Wrapping up 2025, Downtown Arts District will feature the CityArts Café Grand Opening in November, the award-winning monthly 3rd Thursday programs and Midnight on Magnolia New Year’s Eve Party (Tickets: MidnightOnMagnolia2026.Eventbrite.com). Patrons can also support Downtown Arts District through the upcoming United Arts Collaborative Campaign (Follow DAD socials for updates – FB: @downtownartsdistrict, IG: @downtownartsorlando).
“I couldn’t be more honored to assume the role of Chairman of the Board for the Downtown Arts District at such an exciting moment in the organization’s history,” says Daniel Betancourt. “Over the past four years serving on the board and volunteering with the Downtown Arts District staff, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this institution has on Orlando’s creative community. I’m proud to help carry that legacy forward and continue supporting the growth and vibrancy of Downtown Orlando’s arts, culture, and economy.”
“It has been an honor to serve as Chairman of the Downtown Arts District for the last two years, working alongside so many passionate advocates for Orlando’s creative community,” says Kyle Sturley. I’m proud to have contributed to milestones such as the completion of the Fordify the Arts Courtyard project and our team’s participation in the DeVos Institute Capacity Building program, both of which have strengthened the organization for years to come. Thank you to Executive Director Barbara Hartley and her entire team for their leadership and dedication, and I’m excited to support Danny and our new slate of officers as they continue to advance the District’s mission and momentum.”
Downtown Arts District invites locals and visitors to Downtown Orlando to come and discover local art at one of the many art galleries and performance venues located throughout Downtown Orlando. For more information, visit https://downtownartsdistrict.com/.
About Downtown Arts District
The Downtown Arts District is a dedicated nonprofit organization for advancing arts and economic development in the City of Orlando. Established in 2000, the mission of the Downtown Arts District is to enhance the vibrancy, accessibility and economic development of Downtown Orlando through the presentation of outstanding visual and performing arts, the production of dynamic public art programs and the delivery of high-impact artist training and professional development. Comprised of a series of cultural communities, the Arts District encompasses the visual arts, literature, the performing arts including music, drama, film and dance and arts and culture-related retail businesses. The Arts District is the producer of a series of mission-based events and programs to heighten visibility for the arts including the monthly 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop, annual themed arts celebrations La Maschera and Día de los Muertos, Orlando Story Club and much more. In addition, the Arts District manages and operates CityArts Orlando, the multi-use art and cultural destination in the historic Rogers Kiene Building in Downtown Orlando.