Greenville Center for Creative Arts announces new Chief Executive Officer
April 5, 2022
Jess Burgess has been named Chief Executive Officer of Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) following an extensive local and national search. Burgess brings 15 years of experience in nonprofit administration and the performing arts. She has a proven track record of start-up to growth-phase organizational development and is excited to work closely with GCCA’s stakeholders to chart a strategic path forward for continued success. Burgess uniquely combines a passion for engaging programming, strong fundraising, and creativity that are essential for leading a thriving arts organization.
As shared by GCCA Board Chair Yvonne Julian, “I am excited to announce that GCCA will have an enthusiastic, energetic, and experienced leader who will maintain the momentum we’ve achieved in our pursuit of sustainability and expanded reach in the Greenville community and beyond.”
Burgess comes to GCCA from Dogtown Dance Theatre (Richmond, VA) where she has served as Executive Director since 2015.
Burgess received a B.A. (Cum Laude) in Dance and Communications from James Madison University, and a Professional Certificate in Fund Development from the University of Richmond Institute for Philanthropy. Burgess serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Virginia chapter as well as that of the James Madison University College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Since GCCA opened in 2015, the Founders and Board of Directors have made significant progress toward ensuring that a permanent home for the arts is realized in Greenville.
Jess shares this goal as expressed in her recent remarks, “I am thrilled to make Greenville, South Carolina my new home and help shape the arts community for years to come. Greenville Center for Creative Arts is in an outstanding place to make a lasting impact on the lives of artists and those who love art, and I am excited to help GCCA excel in the future.”
You are cordially invited to meet Jess and personally welcome her to Greenville at GCCA’s 7th birthday celebration at the May 6th First Friday event and opening of a new art exhibition.
In late 2019, GCCA finalized the purchase of the Cloth Building, which currently houses all of GCCA’s programs. It has recently completed a renovation of this building, adding many new artist studios and classroom spaces. To date, the GCCA Art School has attracted more than 2,300 students for classes and workshops, and hundreds of scholarships have enabled students of all ages and income to participate in quality arts education.
About GCCA
Greenville Center for Creative Arts is a non-profit organization that aims to enrich the cultural fabric of the community through visual arts promotion, education, and inspiration. For more information, visit www.artcentergreenville.org, call 864-735-3948, or check out GCCA on Facebook (Greenville Center for Creative Arts) and Instagram (@artcentergvl).
