AUGUSTA – The Maine Arts Commission has named Donna McNeil of Portland as its assistant director. McNeil most recently served as the commission’s contemporary arts and public art director, and she has been with the agency since 2003. She replaces Bryan Knicely, who has returned to his native Ohio to serve as director of the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

“I am delighted to move into a position within the Maine Arts Commission where I can be a more effective advocate for individual artists and the creative economy,” McNeil said. “I intend to remain a strong and devoted voice, heralding the quality of life and economic benefits of rich cultural offerings. I am honored to be of service to the cultural sector and citizens of the state of Maine.”

Her recent work with the commission has included contemporary arts advocacy and outreach, administration of Individual Artist Fellowships, Good Idea Grants, all public art and Percent for Art programs as well as special projects including the creative economy and the Creative Capital Foundation’s pilot State Arts Research initiative.

Alden Wilson, director of the Maine Arts Commission, lauded McNeil’s experience and knowledge.

“Donna has been selected for this key position not only for her deep knowledge of the arts internationally and her administrative and program management skills, but also for her standing in the arts community, her sound judgment and her infectious enthusiasm for promoting the arts in Maine,” Wilson said.

In the past year, McNeil has served on the National Endowment for the Arts Local Arts Agencies panel and the New Hampshire Individual Artist Fellowship Award panel, and organized a major privately funded public art project in conjunction with the Maine Turnpike Authority, which resulted in the placement of William Wegman photographs in the new rest areas on Interstate 95.

For information on the Maine Arts Commission, visit http://mainearts.maine.gov.