Magnolia Civic Center has new manager

The office of Community Development/ New Albany Main Street has added Emily Draffen to their team as Assistant Director of Community Development; Special Events and Manager of the Magnolia Civic Center.

Ms. Draffen will oversee rentals, special events, and programming at the Magnolia Civic Center as well as other duties within Community Development.

She comes to New Albany from Memphis where she worked as Event Coordinator at Novel, an independent bookstore (previously Davis-Kidd), for three years. Ms. Draffen has worked professionally with various regional theatres over the last 16 years, as well as in a volunteer capacity.  She is a current Ostrander Award judge for the Memphis theatre community. Draffen has a fine arts degree in acting from Drake University in Des Moines, IA.

In her new role, she plans to create an annual season of productions, performances, and education for youth.

“New Albany already has immense talent. I’d like to support it by providing structure and a framework to help a local theatre community thrive here,” she said.

Billye Jean Stroud, Director of Community Development, said, “Our community is ready for the Magnolia Civic Center to be transformed into a true cultural center. Emily has the passion and background to do just that.”

Follow the Magnolia Civic Center on Facebook and Instagram for updated information on schedule of events.

“We are excited to have her on our team as we continually strive to make New Albany, Union County a destination for visitors to come and enjoy the boundless talent and beauty we have here as well as giving our citizens events and productions to be proud of,” Stroud said.

If you would like more information, email Director of Community Development and Main Street Billye Jean Stroud at billyejeanstroud@newalbanymainstreet.com or contact Emily Draffen at 662-534-1047 or emily@visitnewalbany.com