For Wiley White, it was “goodbye” and “hello” Friday afternoon as co-workers and friends gathered to wish her well as she “scales back” her work schedule to have more time for things of great importance in her life.

White is the development director of the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center in Troy and has been working fulltime with the Center since 2004. Her desire was to have more time to spend with her family and to devote to her artistic endeavors. The CAC board wanted to keep White “on board,” so she agreed work part time. The board celebrated her decision with a reception Friday afternoon at the Johnson Center for the Arts.

Mack Gibson, chair of the arts center board, presented White with a certificate in recognition of exceptional performance.

“Wiley served as the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center’s first interim director and program development coordinator,” Gibson said. “She implemented our first summer educational program in the Pike County School System. She has worked with the general public, local and state entities, educators, volunteers and docents. From borrowed office space in 2004, the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center had grown to include The Studio, the Holman and Ethel Johnson Center for the Arts and the Annex.”

Gibson said that these facilities plus the CAC’s programs have enhanced its ability to provide for the cultural enrichment of all citizens.

“With Wiley’s involvement, including grant writing, we have gained prestige for state of the art facilities, quality exhibitions and innovative educational programs throughout the State of Alabama,” Gibson said. “Wiley has been an outstanding friend and facilitator.”

Al Head, executive director of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, attended the reception and said that he travels to communities all across the state and some have so much and others have so little.

“But, you’ll always find those who step up and make things happen,” he said. “Wiley was on the state arts council for six years and I know her to be one of those people who step up and make things happen. What has been accomplished here is ‘so much’ and in such a short period of time. I congratulate Wiley for all that she has done in making it happen.”

White expressed appreciation to all of those who came with best wishes as she now assumes the position of a part time staff member.

“I thought that I would live the rest of my life in Montgomery until I had the opportunity to come back home and work with the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center,” she said. “I love my house. I loveTroy. I love this place and I appreciate the opportunity to continue to be a part of it and to also have time to do some of the things that are of real importance to me. I thank you all and I love you all.”