“Our work is to help them build a strong foundation of business,” Mikula said. “I want to identify challenges organizations face in the area, and advocate and advance arts and culture by bringing those forces together.”

As for incorporating MSU, Mikula said she and the council will continue to work with the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum and Wharton Center but will try to bring back programs that work with groups of students in arts and culture.

“I want to look at that to see if this is something to bring back,” Mikula said. “Working with students is another aspect of our work that has interest to me.”

After having about 35 years of experience in the arts and helping the council when she was executive director of the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies, Mikula felt she knew the organization well enough to be its leader.

“Six years ago, I facilitated (the council’s) strategic planning session that moved them in a new direction,” Mikula said. “I feel I know the organization really well.”

After hearing the former executive director Leslie Donaldson changed positions, Mikula jumped on the opportunity.

“When I saw this was open and Leslie was moving up, I said to myself, ‘This is perfect,’” Mikula said.

Mikula graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theatre and said she still uses the skills she learned in college to do her job today. Learning how to collaborate effectively, brainstorm ideas and being resourceful are some of these skills.

“It’s because I came from the theater I recognize I can make magic wherever I am at,” Mikula said. “I have a ‘can do’ attitude, and I take that attitude in everything I do.”

For the future, Mikula said she wants to help artists and organizations succeed not only creatively, but also on the business side.

“I will be helping to give them advice on how to market and how they deal with financial issues,” Mikula said. “We are here to help them to a better job at their business.”