The City of San Antonio has selected Debbie Racca-Sittre as Director of the Department of Arts & Culture, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She began her tenure in February 2017.
Ms. Racca-Sittre has 16 years of experience with the City of San Antonio, most recently serving as Interim Director of the Department for Arts & Culture since April 2016. In addition to overseeing the department’s day-to-day operations, she also planned and executed strategic initiatives throughout the department’s four main divisions: San Antonio Film commission, Arts Funding Leadership, Cultural Events and Exhibitions, and Public Art San Antonio. During her tenure, she led the $6 million City of San Antonio Art Funding Process and developed a strategic plan for the San Antonio Film Commission. Ms. Racca-Sittre is currently leading a planning effort for the future of Centro de Artes and is exploring the establishment of a music commission.
Prior to joining the Department of Arts & Culture, Ms. Racca-Sittre served as Assistant Director for the City of San Antonio’s Transportation & Capital Improvements Department. During her career with the City of San Antonio, she has managed more than 800 contracts and a $1.7 billion capital budget. She has negotiated numerous high profile contracts, including a design-build construction contract for the expansion of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the capital expansion of the Witte Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, and The DoSeum, and the renovation of the Guadalupe Theater/Progreso building and Lerma’s building. For two consecutive years, she also led the City of San Antonio United Way Charitable Campaign, raising more than $1 million each year. She holds a bachelor of arts, master of science, and master of public administration from Angelo State University.
“We are excited to see Debbie serve in this new position as the Director of the Department of Arts and Culture,” said Joel Jenks, Executive Recruiter, City of San Antonio. “We are confident that she will further elevate the unique art and cultural programming our City has to offer and continue to establish San Antonio as a leader in the creative economy.”
“ACG was honored to work with the City of San Antonio to fill this crucial role within the Department of Arts & Culture,” said ACG Vice President Jenna Deja. “Debbie Racca-Sittre’s vast experience and strong leadership abilities made her the ideal fit to direct this department. We are confident that Ms. Racca-Sittre will continue to enhance the arts and culture throughout the San Antonio community.”
May 2017