A special workshop was held this week in which the board of directors of the Leesburg Center for the Arts gave an update to the Leesburg Commission about changes instituted since the former executive director was accused of theft.
An investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office began when board members of the Leesburg Art Festival reported they suspected their executive director, 44-year-old Maria Stefanovic of Leesburg, had stolen funds totaling $4,123.74 during 2021 and 2022. When confronted by new board members, Stefanovic, gave the board a list of 19 transactions which benefited herself and the company she owns, Water Gypsy Coffee Company. She tendered a cashier’s check from her company to the Leesburg Center for the Arts in the amount of $2,370.94 on Oct.17, 2022. Stefanovic resigned her position in October and was arrested for grand theft in April. She has a court date next week.
Amanda McLea, president of the board of directors for the Art center described the steps that the board had instituted since Stefanovic’s departure.
She explained that spending limits had been put in place which would be closely monitored. The board hired an accounting firm to prepare monthly reports on all financial activities of the center. McLea indicated she has been working closely with the both local and state law enforcement agencies to document what happened and to make sure it could not happen again. The powers of the executive director have been curtailed under revisions to the Art centers bylaws. The new bylaws will require the board to disclose to stake holders such as the City of Leesburg regular financial reports. McLea stressed her and the boards pledged to operate in a totally transparent manner.
McLea told the commissioners that the board had been working hard to get the organization’s finances in order and was planing to bring back the annual festival of the arts. The youth art program is ongoing as are programs for adults.
Commissioner Alan Reisman pointed out that the city has slated $10,670 for the center in the budget and asked that the money be released to support the center. Mayor Jimmy Burry asked if the board was going to follow through with the prosecution of the former director and McLea promised to follow through with it. The commissioners agreed to release the funds to the center to help the program to continue.
