Interim label removed, Walton Arts Center promotes Taylor Harrison Speegle to vice president of development

Northwest ArkansasTourism / Heritage

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) November 17, 2019 2:48 pm 988 views 

Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Barera.

Taylor Harrison Speegle has been promoted to fill the position of vice president of development at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Speegle has served as the interim director since January 2019, following the departure of Missy Kincaid.

Speegle is responsible for leading the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in Rogers and Walton Arts Center’s development team, which is working to increase contributed income to more than $7 million. The funding, according to a news release, will support arts education and community programming at Walton Arts Center.

“We are thrilled to have Taylor leading our development team,” Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center, said in a statement. “His experience in a variety of jobs with the organization is invaluable, giving him a deep understanding of and commitment to our mission.”

Speegle previously served as director of development for the Walmart AMP and later as director of corporate relations for Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP. Under his leadership, the total number of corporate sponsors grew by 30% in three years, according to the release. He has also played a key role in producing Walton Arts Center’s three fundraisers — Art of Wine, Masquerade Ball and AMP Fest. Speegle will continue to lead Walton Arts Center’s Corporate Leadership Council.

Speegle earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in drama. He worked for Walton Arts Center from 2008-2010 before leaving to pursue a master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University in production management and technology.

“It is truly an honor to work with such an incredible team of people at Walton Arts Center and Walmart AMP,” Speegle said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be taking on this new leadership role within the organization. I’ve enjoyed bringing people and businesses together to support Walton Arts Center, the Walmart AMP and the arts in Northwest Arkansas over the past few years. As we look ahead to the future of our organization, it is critical that we think creatively and deepen our relationships to ensure that we continue to serve our community with access to great performing arts.”