B. Iden Payne Awards Committee Elects Andrea Smith as Executive Director

BIPAC is pleased to present our new Executive Director Andrea S. Smith as we offer well wishes and best of luck to our former E.D.!


“After nearly 7 years volunteering with the B. Iden Payne Awards Council, it is now that I make my exit in order to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. It has truly been a pleasure serving on the Council and I am extremely pleased with the direction the organization has undertaken the past few years and am excited to see the new paths forged in the upcoming years. I welcome and wish luck to all of the new members and offer best wishes and success to the council.

I also want to give my heartfelt gratitude to all of the artists working in this wonderful city of ours. Those efforts are for what we come together as a community to celebrate who, what, and why we are. Thank you so much for everything.”

—Julianna E. Wright



“I am very happy and excited for Julie as she continues to pursue her personal and professional goals. I am equally excited to have the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of the Council. After almost a decade of service, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to guide the next incarnation of the council while continuing to strengthen and explore various relationships and collaborations with and for the community. It’s going to be a great year!”

—Andrea S. Smith