TRAHC Executive Director Jennifer Unger announces resignation, Marcus Zwiebel named as interim

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TEXARKANA, TX — After twenty-two years at TRAHC, and five years of leadership, Jennifer Unger has announced her plans to step down as Executive Director of the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council.

Unger was named Executive Director of the organization in 2021, after serving in several positions over the course of 17 years including Teaching Artist and Education Director. Notable accomplishments are serving as a national arts integration consultant and on the advisory committee for the Kennedy Center Partners in Education. Unger was instrumental in the vision of the renovation of the Offenhauser Building @ 518 Pine into TRAHC’s new ArtSpace, a multi-use community arts building.

She will continue to work closely with the TRAHC board and executive leadership to ensure continuity during the transition.

“Working with TRAHC was an unforgettable journey of community, resilience, and impact. I am excited to see the organization continue to grow our programs and to reach even more people. The foundation is rock-solid, and the current team has the passion and talent to take our mission to heights I could only dream of 22 years ago. The arts are for everyone, and I love that our programs live out this vision,” Unger said. “To our staff, board, and community, I want to say thank you for believing in the mission, and thank you for believing in me. None of our milestones belong to me alone; they belong to every single one of you who showed up, did the work, and offered your unwavering support.”

In her place, the board voted unanimously to name Marcus Zwiebel, TRAHC’s Visual Arts Director, as interim director. Zwiebel joined the staff in 2024 after receiving his MA in Arts Administration from Indiana University-Bloomington.

“The Board looks at change as an opportunity to grow even more, to create new experiences for artists of all ages, and to allow everyone to realize the importance of art in their lives — it is fun, it is fresh, and most of all, it is re-creative,” TRAHC Board President Louise Tausch said. “We are confident that Marcus’s educational background plus his experience with TRAHC will enable him to progress TRAHC through this short interval until the Board can select the next permanent Executive Director.” Miss Tausch said, “A national search for its next executive director will begin soon.”

“Most importantly,” Miss Tausch continued, “the Board and staff are dedicated to continuity of services as well as new and exciting programs and opportunities on the horizon. Also, TRAHC will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, and we plan to make it a grand celebratory year for all our members, the community, and the staff. TRAHC will continue to grow the arts by inspiring the creativity within each person.”

Media Contact: Sara Vaughn
Phone: 903.792.8681
Email: [email protected]