COLUMBIA, MO (March 14, 2011) -

Interim City Manager Paula Hertwig Hopkins announced today that Connie Kacprowicz, communication specialist for Columbia Water & Light, will serve as part-time interim manager for the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs, effective March 14. Kacprowicz will divide her time between duties at Water & Light and filling the vacancy left by Marie Hunter, who resigned her position as cultural affairs manager effective March 4, 2011.

Kacprowicz has worked for the city ofColumbiasince 1997 and has held many roles in the public communications division of Columbia Water & Light. Her current duties include marketing energy efficiency programs, spokesperson for the utility, public outreach and education, developing communication strategies and producing a monthly energy-efficiency television program.

According to Hertwig Hopkins, Kacprowicz’s communications background and experience in working with arts-related organizations made her a natural choice for the interim position.

“Connie is a skilled communications professional who values the importance of the arts, has the ability to work with diverse community groups and knows how to navigate the city government. I believe her skill sets are just what we need to keep our cultural affairs program on an even keel as we search for a permanent manager,” said Hertwig Hopkins. 

Kacprowicz managed the City Channel until 2007. During this time, she worked closely with all city departments including the Office of Cultural Affairs. She produced the video “Art for the People” that chronicled the Percent for Arts project at the Activities andRecreationCenter. The video gained national recognition when the City Channel received a Telly award in 2001.

“I have great respect for everything the Office of Cultural Affairs has accomplished through the years. I'm excited about this opportunity to serve theColumbiaarts community,” Kacprowicz said. She will receive nominal step-up pay for the 20 hours per week she is at the Office of Cultural Affairs. 

Kacprowicz’s strong interest in the arts includes service on the board of the Columbia Art League and many volunteer positions with the VSA, True/False film festival, Art in the Park and the Roots-n-Blues-n-BBQ festival. She holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Missouri.