Dede Peters

Courtesy

A new community outreach coordinator began work with the city Oct. 29.

Communications Director Lindsley Smith hired Dede Peters earlier this month. She most recently worked as a communications assistant with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville where she was hired to facilitate strategic communication plans for the museum on a regional and international level.

Peters replaces Julie McQuade, who left the city in September to pursue other opportunities.

The $40,000-a-year position includes public relations support, social media management, supervision and development of the city’s volunteer program, community outreach and quarterly newsletters, marketing and design work, and staff support for the Fayetteville Council of Neighborhoods and the Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council.

Peters was selected from a list of 82 applicants for the job. That list, Smith said, was narrowed to 11 people before a final decision was made.

“Peters is an accomplished photographer, designer, organizer, and community outreach coordinator with strong public relations rapport and a servant’s heart who herself is an active community volunteer,” said Smith in a news release. “Peters will add much to the outreach efforts of the City of Fayetteville and has the knowledge and skills to expand the city’s outreach, partnerships, and existing public information programs toward the goal of assuring that citizens are well-informed about their local government.”

Peters said she’s passionate about Fayetteville, particularly because the city’s outreach efforts help residents and business owners feel empowered to be involved with the community.

“I’ve personally benefitted from this dialogue as both a citizen and entrepreneur,” Peters said. “I am so honored to continue the unique outreach and collaboration on behalf of the City of Fayetteville.”

Peters’ prior outreach experience includes serving as a founding member and secretary for a three-year term on the Fayetteville Arts Council as well as partnering with city, local artists, and businesses to establish the monthly First Thursday event. Peters also served as the exhibition coordinator for the Walton Arts Center and owned and ran the popular ddp gallery in Fayetteville prior to her work at Crystal Bridges.