Chicago’s Beverly Arts Center has tapped a city native and performer as its new executive director.

Heather Robinson, 44, currently heads the South Side Community Arts Center. She starts at BAC on Monday.

“It’s time to start thinking about regionally drawing in more zip codes, diversifying programming, and just solidifying the programming that’s already there,” Robinson said.

She previously worked for After School Matters, Gallery 37 and the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Her acting credits include performances at the Goodman Theatre and on the NBC television series “ER.”

BAC offers theater, music, and fine arts classes for all ages. Located on the corner of 111th and Western, the center shows indie films and rotates arts exhibitions throughout the year.

But BAC has also run into financial trouble. Last fall the city announced a challenge to reduce the center’s debt. Officials say they are on track.

Robinson says she plans to expand programming so BAC will be a destination for families.

Natalie Moore is a WBEZ reporter. nmoore@wbez.org Follow Natalie on Google+,  Twitter