NCI Artworks announces Julia Messina as new executive director

Messina has been active supporter since 2011 of organization

Writer, translator, editor and web content developer Julia Messina has been named the new executive director of NCI Artworks.

Messina has been an active supporter since the organization started in 2011, and she’s an advocate for the arts culture locally and internationally, according to the organization.

She has been a featured contributor and content provider for cultural and business publications for the last 30 years, and she’s translated Italian to English for the U.S. military, the Italian judicial system and international businesses throughout the world.

“I appreciate the NCI Artworks board’s confidence in me and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to carry on the important work of this great arts advocacy organization,” Messina said in a press release. “I’m especially grateful for the guidance of former NCI Artworks executive directors, particularly Chris Coughlin, whose tireless work over the past decade has built NCI Artworks into a strong and effective arts advocacy organization for La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties.”

Messina also managed e-commerce and retail websites for the Starved Rock Lodge and Marketplace and worked as the community liaison for the Illinois Department of Transportation. She’s also been a managing editor for newsletters in both the public and private sectors.

“We are delighted to welcome this warm, enthusiastic arts advocate into the executive director role,” said NCI Artworks Board President Shannon Benac Argubright in a press release. “Our future is bright with Julia on board to lead with finesse, creativity and arts savvy.”

Messina will work closely with NCI Artworks volunteers, local schools and the local arts community to ensure it can continue serving as a coordinating organization to promote visual and performing arts opportunities in the region.

In addition to working on the Silo Pathways public art project, Messina’s first act as executive director will be overseeing the fifth annual Mad Hatter’s Ball at the Auditorium Ballroom on First Street in La Salle on Nov. 19 that recognizes local young artists and performers.