Taking the Lead
Catherine Cuellar steps into high-profile role as Dallas Arts District's new executive director
The Dallas Arts District has been searching for a new leader ever since former executive director Veletta Lill announced in September 2012 that she was stepping down. That search came to an end Monday with the hiring of Catherine Cuellar, who will officially come on board April 15.
Cuellar has made a name for herself in numerous circles in the Dallas area. A former journalist, she worked for The Dallas Morning News, co-founded GuideLive.com, reported for KERA and served as managing editor for Pegasus News. She's also been a member of Dallas' Cultural Affairs Commission, both in an at-large position and as an appointee of Mayor Mike Rawlings.
Cuellar most recently worked for Oncor, where she served as the electric utility company's PR spokesperson.
As executive director, Cuellar will be tasked with keeping the district's profile as high as it's become under Lill's tenure. That will include bringing a steady stream of events to the area and spurring economic development. Potential projects like the Flora Lofts will likely be a high priority.
Cuellar seems to be up the challenge.
"Downtown Dallas has never been more vibrant in my lifetime," Cuellar said in statement. "It’s a prime time to tout Dallas’ reputation as a regional, national and international destination.”