In June 2021, Jaime Dempsey will leave her current position as the Arts Commission’s Executive Director after 15 years of service with the agency.

That same month, the Arts Commission’s Governor-appointed board will launch an open public search for the agency’s next Executive Director.

“In alignment with the values and approaches at the center of the Arts Commission’s mission and NextAZ Plan, the search for the agency’s next Executive Director will engage voices and perspectives from across Arizona, and the process will be informed by their contributions,” said Mark Feldman, Chair of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. “Information gathering relevant to the search is already underway, and partners of all types should expect more information to roll out as the summer advances.”

Commissioners have engaged Arizona’s own Avenir Consulting Partners, and its founder and CEO, Dr. Tiffanie Dillard, to provide support to the search.

Commissioners have also appointed the agency’s current Deputy Director, Alex Nelson, to the role of Interim Executive Director.

“Alex has been employed with the Arts Commission for 12+ years in roles of increasing scope and responsibility,” said Feldman. “Of anyone we could engage, Alex possesses the greatest depth of experience with the Arts Commission’s mission and services, and the most expansive understanding of the agency’s operations and requirements.”

Feldman further stated, “For reasons personal to her career plans and goals, Alex has chosen not to be a candidate in our Executive Director search. The commission is grateful she has accepted our invitation to serve as Interim Executive Director, to guide the Arts Commission during the search process and support the onboarding of the agency’s next Executive Director.”

Prospective candidates for the Executive Director position are advised to stay tuned to the Arts Commission website, where the comprehensive position description will be posted on or before June 7, 2021. Applications will be accepted via the AZ State Jobs website beginning June 23, 2021.