A transition of leadership is taking place at the Branson Regional Arts Council.

The full press release from BRAC is below:

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce that nationally known Branson entertainer and businessman Luke Menard, has been hired to step into the role of Executive Director to replace Jim Barber who will be retiring from the position at the end of September 2024, having served the organization seven and a half years. Menard will officially assume leadership of the Arts Council on October 1, 2024.

"Our board of directors understood that it would be a challenging task to find a suitable replacement for Jim Barber," stated Kristine Brown, Branson Regional Arts Council President. "After a thorough search and interview process, we identified Luke Menard as the ideal candidate for the position. His passion and enthusiasm for the arts align perfectly with our organization's mission and values. We are confident that he will successfully lead us forward and continue our commitment to promoting and supporting the arts," she added.

"I am incredibly excited, honored, and humbled to be stepping into the role of Executive Director for such a successful and vibrant arts council," said Menard. "I have always been passionate about the arts and am deeply committed to fostering arts education and opportunities for the youth in our community," he stated.

"Several great candidates applied for the position, but after an exhaustive interview process, Luke's enthusiasm, professionalism and extensive arts business background positioned him as the top pick for our Board of Directors," said outgoing Executive Director Jim Barber. "Luke is well known and respected in the Branson area, and in many ways, his performing background and passion for the Arts reflect my own experience. I see a lot of similarity between us... although he has much, much better hair," Barber laughingly added. "I am confident that Luke will bring a wonderful, fresh perspective to the organization as it continues to grow and provide more arts and educational opportunities for our area residents," he said.

Luke Menard first captured America’s heart as a top 8 finalist on season 7 of American Idol. Hailing from Crawfordsville, Indiana, Luke’s journey started at Millikin University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and communication. Upon graduating, His talent took him around the globe with the world-renowned a cappella group Chapter 6, performing over 200 concerts annually for 12 years.

After life on the road, Luke planted roots in Branson, Missouri, where he's been a powerhouse performer with the New South Quartet for the past decade. Never one to rest on his laurels, in 2018, Luke added “Real Estate Agent” to his repertoire. His knack for closing deals saw him sell hundreds of homes in the Tri Lakes area, eventually leading him to become the Broker/Owner of Menard Realty Group.

When he’s not helping clients find their dream homes, Luke loves spending time with his 12-year-old daughter, Hope, hitting the gym, golfing, and cruising on one of his 2 Indian motorcycles. And if that wasn’t enough, he's also serenading audiences six nights a week in the Grand Jubilee show at Grand Country's Music Hall. Luke’s life is sweeter than ever, as he recently got engaged to Branson’s very own singing sensation, Jackie Brown. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation of the Branson Regional Arts Council and helping to inspire creativity and artistic expression for all," said Menard.