04 Sep CPAC’s New Executive Director
CPAC is pleased to announce Samantha Johnston as the organization’s new Executive Director.
Samantha succeeds outgoing director Rupert Jenkins. She is a photographer, arts administrator, and educator who moved to Denver from the East Coast in 2010. She received her MFA from Lesley University College of Art & Design, and her BFA from Alfred University. She taught high school photography and visual art for twelve years, and recently earned a certificate in Arts Development and Program Management from the University of Denver. Her photography has been shown in numerous exhibitions nationally. She is a longtime member of CPAC and of the Society for Photographic Education (SPE). In 2013 she co-chaired the SPE Southwest regional conference in Denver.
“We are excited about the addition of Samantha Johnston as our new Executive Director,” Board Chair Gary Reed stated. Citing her extensive knowledge of the organization and ties to the local photo community, Reed continued that “with her help and expertise we look forward to a new era for CPAC, it’s members and the arts community.
Samantha starts her new assignment on September 8: “I am excited to take the helm at CPAC. Rupert has done a tremendous job with the organization and I look forward to continuing that development and further fostering CPAC’s dedication to photography in both the Mountain West region and nationally,” she said, following her hire.
Outgoing director Rupert Jenkins’s affiliation with CPAC extends back to 2008. Under his leadership the organization grew from a small gallery-without-walls into a nationally recognized hub for photography in the Western Region. “I am tremendously pleased that Samantha will be taking my place as director of CPAC,” Jenkins said. “She has been an active supporter of the organization who already has close ties with many of our educators and constituents. Her appointment promises a dynamic continuation of CPAC’s creative and organizational growth.”
A special meet-and-greet for CPAC members and supporters will be announced soon.