Former Walton Arts Center Executive Heading to Boston

Jodi Beznoska, the former vice president of communications at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, has returned to her roots in New England and on Dec. 4 begins her new job as director of marketing and communications at From the Top, a nonprofit arts advocate in Boston.

At the time of her hire in early November, Beznoska, a native of New Hampshire, was heading up her own freelance arts agency, Fayetteville-based JGB Productions. Beznoska left the Walton Arts Center in July after eight years there.

While excited about the new position, Beznoska said it was tough to leave Northwest Arkansas.

“It was definitely bittersweet,” she said in a statement emailed to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. “I can’t express how much I have grown to love the people and the spirit of that place.”

Prior to her departure, Beznoska was regularly featured as an arts correspondent on KUAF-FM 91.3 and was also a member of the board of directors of Theatre Squared. Highlights during her tenure at the arts center included mounting the new Blue Man Group tour and creation of the 10×10 Arts Series.

She said her work in Fayetteville prepared her for the next step and that she’s excited to continue the same type of work, albeit for another organization.

“In my new role at From the Top, I’m thrilled at the chance to celebrate amazing young musicians through our national radio show and arts leadership outreach activities,” she said.

From the Top is an independent organization that champions musicians between the ages of eight and 18. The agency supports musicians with scholarships, performances, broadcasts over radio and television and through digital media. From the Top has a national platform and through its assortment of programs reaches more than a million people per year.

As big as Boston is, Beznoska said it will never completely overshadow this region.

“I will always have my eye on Northwest Arkansas, watching with pride as it blooms and thrives,” she said.