Lexington Family/ News

LASC Director Leaves to Work for Mayor

The Living Arts and Science Center’s Executive Director for 14 years, Heather Lyons, has accepted a position in the Office of the Mayor for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government as the Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Lyons has led the Living Arts and Science Center through many incredible accomplishments during her tenure, and Lexington is lucky to have her in this visionary position.

Under Lyons’ direction, the Living Arts and Science Center has:

  • Nearly tripled its operating budget, with support from over 1,600 individual donors; 17 local, state and foundation grants; and 42 corporate sponsors;
  • Tripled capacity through the execution of a $5.5 million capital campaign to renovate the historic building and add a contemporary extension;
  • Doubled permanent staff positions;
  • Expanded programs that have served over 16,000 students in 37 counties;
  • Increased its scholarship program, offering nearly 300 individual scholarships with 3,400 hours of collaborative, hands-on learning;
  • Entertained and inspired with over 50 free family events a year;
  • Advanced free after- school programs serving more than 300 students in six Fayette County Title I schools.

Lyons assumed her new position with the LFUCG on Jan. 28.

“I am enormously grateful for the opportunity that I have had to lead and support this remarkable organization,” she said about LASC, “and to learn from and work with truly inspiring staff members, artists, teachers, board members, parents and students over these years.”

Over the coming months, the LASC Executive Board and Board of Directors will search for a new executive director but already has named an interim leader: Renee Shepard.

Shepard is a proven Lexington leader having served as Executive Director of the Downtown Lexington Corporation (DLC) and the DLC Foundation for 10 years.

As a consultant at Graves Shepard Consulting, she brings a wealth of experience in transitions and change management with a focus on development and fundraising.

Shepard previously assisted the Lexington Clinic Foundation in an interim role and served on the LASC Board of Directors and Executive Board.

Said Lyons: “I leave with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for the incredibly talented and dedicated staff who will continue to put forward expertise and passion for their work.”