Five months after the Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) began searching for a new executive director, the organization has found its next leader.
Mary-Liz Murray will take over as ACA’s executive director on Sept. 19, bringing more than 15 years of experience across the nonprofit and cultural sectors, including work in theater, museums, public art, higher education and cultural landmarks.
“Mary-Liz brings the strategic vision, belief in the necessity of the arts, and deep commitment to community that our next chapter calls for,” ACA board co-chairs Julie Brown Neu and Sarah Buyer said in a press release.
Murray, a Greater Boston native, was selected following what ACA described as an extensive search. The board voted unanimously to appoint her, according to a recent press release.
Her appointment comes as the Arlington arts organization enters a new chapter following the retirement of Tom Formicola, who stepped down as executive director in April after more than seven years leading ACA and serving the local arts community.
ACA first announced the executive director vacancy in April, following Formicola’s departure.
The board recognized Murray as someone truly passionate about the arts and leadership. Her passed professional experience brought her skills in fundraising, marketing and communications, mentorship, with a focus on helping organizations grow their audiences, revenue and community connection.
“The arts have shaped both my life and my career, so the opportunity to lead an organization devoted to making creative experiences accessible and meaningful feels especially important to me,” said Murray.
The ACA wrote that in this new role, Murray will focus on expanding opportunities for local artists to create and connect with the Arlington community.
“I’m eager to get to know even more of the ACA community, listen closely, and help build on everything that has made this organization such an important part of Arlington for nearly 40 years,” says Murray.
Eager to immerse herself into Arlington’s artistic crowd, the new ACA executive director plans to attend several upcoming events to meet residents;
- Town Day, Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Booth no. 21)
- The Great Northeast Jug Band Festival, Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1 to 6 p.m.
- ACA annual meeting, Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Arlington Open Studios, Saturday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
YourArlington has inquired with the ACA for an interview with Murray.
This announcement, published on Sept. 16, 2026, used information provided by ACA.
