Board Member Spotlight

October 8, 2024

Share this article

Celebrating Leadership in Our Community!

We are thrilled to spotlight Shonnda Smith, the newly appointed Executive Director of Public Works!

As the driving force behind the smooth operational delivery of initiatives across Parks and Recreation, Public Services, Events, and more, Shonnda is dedicated to creating a Mobile we can all be proud to call home.

With a rich background in leadership and community service, Shonnda’s transformative vision has revitalized programs and policies since joining the City of Mobile in 2019. Her extensive experience, from Chief Programming Officer in New Orleans to various roles in education and community programs, has equipped her with the skills to inspire change and growth.

Not only is Shonnda a trailblazer as the first woman to hold this position, but she also embodies the spirit of community by supporting local artists, serving on the Mobile Arts Council board and initiatives. Like aiding with set up of our recent Throwdown competition alongside being artist assistant to the talented artist Soynika

Edwards-Bush while she competed!

Shonnda’s commitment to service, leadership, and empowerment is a source of inspiration for women and young people everywhere. We are proud to have her at the helm of Public Works and look forward to the positive changes she will continue to bring.

Join us in congratulating Shonnda on this well-deserved recognition!

Recent Posts

By Angela Montgomery July 28, 2026
Congratulations to our July Organization Member of the Month Innovation Portal
Graphic for July Member of the Month Vanessa Quintana
By Angela Montgomery July 28, 2026
Congratulations to Vanessa Quintana, our Mobile Arts Council July Artist Member of the Month!
Graphic for June 2026
By Angela Montgomery June 30, 2026
The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) is proud to announce two insightful community exhibits hanging in their gallery through June 27 with an opening reception during Artwalk on June 12. The Jubilee exhibition showcases Black artists and the richness of creative voices within our community during this Juneteenth celebration month. MAC is honored to have local Black artists share their stories through art in this special exhibit highlighting the cultural identity and diverse perspectives that shape the tapestry of our region’s creative community. Erica Wells is the sponsor of Jubilee . She is a dedicated community leader and advocate who is passionate about serving others and creating opportunities for growth and success. Through her professional work and volunteer efforts, she actively supports education, youth development, leadership initiatives, and community engagement throughout the Gulf Coast region. Erica is committed to empowering students, supporting educators, and building meaningful partnerships that strengthen communities. Her leadership is guided by a desire to make a lasting impact and to inspire others to serve with purpose, integrity, and compassion. As a part of Pride Month, the Proud & Free exhibition spotlights voices, experiences, and viewpoints of LGBTQ+ creatives in our community. This show provides a platform for queer artists to present their work, tell their stories, and connect with a broader audience through powerful artistic expression. The Proud & Free exhibit is sponsored by Dr. Kristin Rager, the Chief of Adolescent Medicine at the University of South Alabama, and Mobile’s only board-certified specialist in adolescent and young adult health. Dr. Rager serves as the Medical Director for AIDS Alabama South and is passionate about ending the HIV epidemic through education, treatment and prevention. Both exhibits can be enjoyed in the Mobile Arts Council Art Gallery, Room 1927 at 6 South Joachim Street in downtown Mobile. Gallery hours are 11 till 5 on Tuesday through Friday and 11 till 2 on Saturday. The opening reception for these exhibits will be held from 6 to 9pm on June 12 during Artwalk. Everyone is welcome and admission to the gallery is always free.
By Angela Montgomery June 30, 2026
Mobile Arts Council Annual Members' Show
June 23, 2026
Apply today to be a muralist in Mobile's inaugural mural festival, MobTown Mural Fest!
May 6, 2026
Apply now for the 2026 MAC Member’s Show! Submit artwork by June 1st for a chance to win awards. Join us for the ArtWalk reception!
photography workshop led by Richard Dollison for Mobile Arts Council members
May 5, 2026
Join our workshop to enhance your smartphone photography skills. Download Lightroom Mobile & Snapseed before attending!
May 2026 Exhibition Graphic Daniel Domenzain Kathleen Kirk Stoves
May 5, 2026
Explore Dan Domenzain's photography capturing authentic moments. Join us to celebrate community art and creativity!
Members' Mini MAC Gallery Cherrelle Jefferson Smith exhibition art show
April 28, 2026
Experience Cherrelle Jefferson Smith's untitled art at the Member’s Mini MAC Exhibition. Open 24/7 on Joachim Street, downtown Mobile.
April 22, 2026
Celebrate Ron Barrett LLC as April's Member of the Month! Learn about their floral artistry & support for the Mobile arts community.
Show More