BCAC names new executive director

The Broome County Arts Council (BCAC) Board of Directors has selected Laura Knochen-Davis as the new executive director.  She will take her position in January, following the retirement of long-time director Sharon Ball. Board President Fred Xlander said Knochen-Davis’ wide-ranging experience in both arts and business, as well as her deep commitment to the community were deciding factors. “The Board’s vote was unanimous.” Xlander said, “She is the perfect choice to take BCAC to the next step in its evolution.” Knochen-Davis said she is “thrilled and honored to serve as the next director of the Broome County Arts Council.”
Originally from Stony Point, NY, Laura Knochen-Davis has lived and worked in the Binghamton area for more than 35 years. She graduated from Binghamton University with a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in theatre.   Currently, she is a career coach in the Perkins Career & Technical Education Grant program at SUNY Broome Community College. She has been an adjunct business instructor there for 9 years and currently teaches entrepreneurship. Previously, she was staff associate to the Dean of SUNY Broome’s Business and Public Service Division.  Knochen-Davis is a former executive director of the Broome Library Foundation. Her experience also includes business trainer/advisor and program director positions with Binghamton University’s Small Business Development Center and the Minorities & Women Business Enterprise, Inc. Her professional experience also includes human resource management, recruiting, theater management, performance, lighting and sound for theater. She also is skilled in strategic planning, presentation, grant writing, fundraising, budgets and finance, public relations, and multi-media marketing. Laura Knochen-Davis co-owns Davis Designs, Inc. with her husband Brian Davis, a sculptor.