The board of directors of Chattanooga’s ArtsBuild has named James McKissic as president of the organization, the leading organization charged with funding and promoting the arts and cultural programming in the region. He replaces Dan Bowers, who retired earlier this year, according to a news release.
McKissic, a Chattanooga area native with two decades of experience promoting community and art, will assume the role on Dec. 16, 2019.
“James’ demonstrated passion for empowering communities, connecting cultures and changing lives will undoubtedly strengthen arts and culture equity throughout our region,” said Dr. Mary Poston Tanner, board chairwoman of ArtsBuild. “We are confident in his ability to strengthen not only our organization, but our entire community through the arts.”
McKissic most recently managed fundraising, programming and community engagement as chief operating officer of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. Before that, he was the senior adviser to the mayor and the director of the city of Chattanooga’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. Both roles included improving diversity efforts and promoting inclusion throughout the city.
In addition, McKissic has instituted a number of cultural programs, including Friends of African American Art, Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement and the African American Arts and Culture Speaker Series. He also initiated “Rooted in Color,” the first Regional Art Collectors Conference in Chattanooga focused on African American art, co-founded Responsive Initiatives for Social Empowerment (RISE) Chattanooga, established the Chattanooga Readers and Writers Fair and the African American Family Film Series in Miller Park, among other initiatives. He has served on ArtsBuild’s board of directors in the past.