Pearl Harrell of Suffolk has been elected to serve as the secretary of the Virginians For the Arts organization.

Harrell was part of a slate of new officers elected during the organization’s meeting in Richmond at the end of January.

Edward H. Harvey of Somerset was elected president. He will head the statewide advocacy organization that works to build awareness for the arts and support for the state’s arts agency, the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

The full slate of officers elected to serve with Harvey includes Amy Bridge, executive director of the Library of Virginia Foundation, as vice president; Beverly Hess, executive director of the Center for the Arts of Greater Manassas/Prince William County, as treasurer; and Harrell as Secretary.

Virginians for the Arts will mark its 25th anniversary later this year. VFTA advances the arts in Virginia by increasing public awareness of the contributions the arts make to the life, culture, and economy of the state.

VFTA advocates for public funding for the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which makes operating grants essential to the state’s arts organizations.

VFTA is supported through membership dues and individual contributions.