FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 5, 2024)
Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County Announces President & CEO Resignation
A Letter from Board Chair Chad Cheek and Outgoing President & CEO Chase Law
From Chad Cheek, Chair, Board of Trustees - Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County:
It is with sadness and gratitude that the Board of Trustees announces the departure of Chase Law as the President & CEO of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Chase joined the Arts Council in December 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and over the past three years has reestablished and expanded the Arts Council’s mission and increased support and outreach of the arts and cultural sector in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Under Chase’s leadership, the Arts Council:
Exceeded the $2M fundraising goal by an average of 35% during her first two years of service;
Restructured the bond agreement in excess of $3M, arranging for no further payments or interest on debt service;
Secured $5.5 Million collectively from the City and County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds;
Prioritized community engagement, which aided in more transparent communication and renewed donor, partner, and community trust;
Expanded organization’s programming to include new local, regional, and national offerings;
Launched a more robust shared services program that includes ticketing services, marketing/PR, and fiscal agency/sponsorship;
Developed a strategic visioning roadmap with community at the core in 2022 and began implementation in 2023;
Improved organizational culture, funding streams, and programming efforts focused on Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion;
Facilitated, in partnership with Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at UNCSA, United Health Centers, City of Winston-Salem, and Forsyth County, an application and interview process resulting in Winston-Salem being selected as one of 18 cities to participate in a national initiative from One Nation One Project and the National League of Cities, known as Arts for EveryBody, focused on Arts and Wellness.
Chase’s last day with the Arts Council will be Friday, February 16. She is leaving the Arts Council in a strong position for continued growth and service to our arts and cultural sector and community at large. Over the next six weeks, the Board of Trustees and Chase will be focused on a plan of administrative tasks for the organization that will aid in the seamless continuation of the organization’s operations. I have already begun working with the Board of Trustees to develop an interim leadership plan and start the process of conducting a search to find the next leader of the Arts Council. We will share the job announcement soon; please keep in mind any potential candidates and share them with me directly.
The Board of Trustees wishes Chase the best of luck in her future endeavors. We are grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm she has given the Arts Council over the last three years. We are confident that with Chase’s support, this transition will be smooth for our team, partners, and generous supporters. We look forward to continuing to serve our community as the chief advocate of the arts and cultural sector in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, and serving as a leader in lifting up, creating awareness, and providing support to grow and sustain the arts and cultural offerings throughout our region, ultimately bringing our community together and making it a great place to live, work, and play.
If you have any questions or concerns during this transition, please don’t hesitate to reach me directly: chad@elephantintheroom.com
Sincerely,
Chad Cheek, Chair - Board of Trustees, Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County
From Chase Law, President & CEO, Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County
After three rewarding years of serving as the Arts Council’s President & CEO, I recently submitted my resignation. It has been an honor to serve in this role, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that the Arts Council has provided during my time here. I have learned a great deal and have grown both professionally and personally.
I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments that the board, supporters, partners, staff, and I have achieved together for the Arts Council over the past three years. I am also deeply grateful for all the relationships I have built during my time as President & CEO. This is a truly special community with an incredible love for the arts, and it has been a joy to work alongside you, our community, as well as all of the partners in our industry.
This decision was not made lightly, and it is quite a bittersweet move into the next chapter of my career. However, after much consideration I know this is the right choice for my family and me. I have accepted a new position in Millburn, NJ that aligns with my background in theatre and fundraising. Additionally, this role will also bring me closer to my daughter, who now lives in NYC.
I remain deeply committed to the Arts Council. I will be working in collaboration with the Board of Trustees over the next six weeks to help the organization transition into new leadership and will be available to the new hire for any questions they might have when that time arises. I trust the Board of Trustees fully in making a great selection for the next President and CEO that will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to contribute to the organization’s growth and the next phase of its lifecycle. Additionally, I am confident in the capabilities of the current staff and the direction they will take the Arts Council.
Once again, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the trust and support I received during my time as the President and CEO, and thank you for supporting the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County alongside me. I hope you will continue lifting up the arts and supporting this legacy organization for many years to come.
Yours in the arts,
Chase Law
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Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the chief advocate of the arts and cultural sector in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Arts Council’s goal is to serve as a leader in lifting up, creating awareness, and providing support to grow and sustain the arts and cultural offerings throughout our region, ultimately bringing our community together and making it a great place to live, work, and play.
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For additional information, please contact:
Katie Hall, Chief Marketing Officer and VP, Development
336-747-1421