Arts Fort Worth has selected an Interim Managing Director and President. The appointment follows an announcement earlier this year that President and CEO Karen Wiley was retiring effective June 30.
Wesley Gentle, CFRE assumed the interim role on July 1. Gentle has served Arts Fort Worth for more than four years. The Board of Directors believe his knowledge of the organization, strong ties in the community and passion for the arts will steward the nonprofit well.
The Arts Fort Worth Board of Directors is in the process of forming a Search Committee that will guide the process of identifying the next President and CEO. An executive recruitment firm will be selected to seek qualified candidates.
“Arts Fort Worth’s Board of Directors’ goal for this transition period is to ensure the continuation of high-quality programs and services, implementation of our new strategic priorities, and consistent communication and collaboration with our invaluable partners who make our work possible,” said Board President, Jared Sloane.
Founded in 1963 as the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, the organization works to promote, nurture, and support the arts in Fort Worth. Arts Fort Worth administers a competitive grants program, manages the Fort Worth Public Art program, and operates the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, a dynamic arts complex with theaters, galleries, studios, and office suites, on behalf of the City of Fort Worth.
Arts Fort Worth also provides educational programming and supports arts advocacy at all levels of government, rents the facilities for a wide range of private and public events and programs. It is supported in part by the City of Fort Worth and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
Wiley’s departure concluded over seven years of service to the organization. During her tenure, Wiley realized great opportunities to expand on the achievements of the organization.
“Arts Fort Worth will continue to keep the community appraised throughout the search process,” said Sloane.
