Arts Council Names Shannon B. Henry as New President and CEO

Winston-Salem, NC (February 1, 2026) — The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is announcing that Shannon B. Henry has officially been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2026.

Shannon B. Henry has served as Interim President and CEO since July 2025 and will now continue in the role on a permanent basis.

As interim leader, Henry guided the Arts Council through an important period of organizational stabilization while laying the groundwork for financial restructuring and strategic renewal for the Art Council’s 75-year-old institution. Henry led a successful 75th Anniversary Celebration, which helped rebuild momentum and reaffirm community support for the Arts Council’s mission. Her leadership has centered on restoring trust with partners, donors, and the broader community through disciplined fiscal stewardship, strengthened internal systems, operational clarity, and a renewed focus on long-term sustainability, establishing the foundation for a more resilient arts ecosystem and positioning the arts as a driver of economic vitality, education, and community well-being.

Shannon B. Henry is looking forward to continuing the legacy of the Arts Council as the largest funder of arts in education, provider of venue accessibility and programming, and supporting and funding community arts organizations and artists. Stay tuned to see how the Arts Council expands in new ways under her leadership, supporting the arts we love while enriching our community’s culture and economic vitality.

“I am honored to continue serving the Arts Council and this community as President and CEO,” said Henry. “As the City of Arts and Innovation, Winston-Salem recognizes that the arts are essential to who we are as a region culturally, economically, and creatively. I look forward to building on our momentum, deepening partnerships, and advancing a vision for an arts

ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive, and impactful for all.”

"Shannon has demonstrated exceptional leadership during a pivotal moment for the Arts

Council,” said Howard Upchurch, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her strategic insight,

operational expertise, and deep commitment to this community make her the right leader

to guide the organization forward.”

Prior to joining the Arts Council, Henry served as Chief Strategy Officer at Winston-Salem State University, where she led implementation of the university’s strategic plan and major initiatives focused on student success, organizational culture, and operational effectiveness. She previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer at PBS North Carolina, overseeing statewide public media operations and leading organizational transformation initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Henry served as Chief Audit, Risk, and Compliance Officer for both Winston-Salem State University and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, providing executive oversight across two complex public institutions.

In addition to her executive leadership work, Henry is the creator of Huehattan, a boutique hat

line reflecting her passion for design, craftsmanship, and creative expression. Henry is known for her strengths in strategy, operational and financial transformation, and leading complex organizations and systems through periods of change. She brings a collaborative, systems-oriented approach and a deep commitment to building institutions that are mission-driven, inclusive, and sustainable. As President and CEO, Henry will bring a strategic focus and financial discipline to the Arts Council during a pivotal chapter in the organization’s

history.

About the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County:

The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the lead advocate for the arts and

cultural sector in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, working to grow and sustain arts offerings

that bring the community together and make the region a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

www.intothearts.org

Media Contact:

Alisha Gaskins

Director of Marketing and Strategic Engagement

agaskins@intothearts.org