" " Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County Announces Leadership Transition
top of page
Search

Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County Announces Leadership Transition



The Arts Council of Fayetteville • Cumberland County logo features a modern, typographic design that emphasizes creativity through bold color and clean lines. The word "ARTS" is displayed in a heavy, sans-serif typeface with each letter sporting a distinct vibrant hue—red, purple, lime green, and orange—symbolizing a diverse and colorful community. This is paired with the word "COUNCIL" in a sophisticated, thin-weight purple font. Grounding the design, the secondary text "FAYETTEVILLE • CUMBERLAND CO." spans the bottom in a matching thin purple uppercase font, separated by a diamond glyph, all set against a sleek black background for maximum visual impact.


Fayetteville, NC - The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County announces a planned leadership transition following fifteen years of dedicated service by President and CEO Bob Pinson, including six years as Chief Executive Officer.


At its regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, the Board formally accepted Bob’s resignation, effective June 30, 2026. The Board simultaneously voted to appoint Kennon Jackson, Jr. as the new President/CEO of the Arts Council beginning July 1, 2026, ensuring continuity and stability during this important transition.


Bob joined the Arts Council in 2011 and has served as President/CEO since 2020. During his tenure, he guided the organization through significant growth, expanded public-private partnerships, strengthened relationships with municipal and county stakeholders, and positioned the Arts Council as a driver of cultural vitality and economic development in Cumberland County. Under his leadership, the organization navigated the challenges of the pandemic, sustained critical grantmaking programs, elevated the International Folk Festival, and advanced major capital initiatives, including the development and recent opening of the Arts Council’s new arts accelerator, ArtsXL.


“Serving this organization and this community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional  life,” Bob shared. “The Arts Council’s impact is made possible by an extraordinary staff, committed Board leadership, and a community that believes in the power of the arts.”


With six and a half years at the Arts Council, Kennon Jackson, Jr. brings deep institutional knowledge and strategic leadership to the role. As Chief of Staff, Kennon has played a central role in advancing the Arts Council’s strategic plan, strengthening operational infrastructure, leading major initiatives, and cultivating partnerships that align arts investment with tourism, education, and economic development outcomes.


Under Kennon’s leadership, the Arts Council will continue to focus on deepening community connections, strengthening the organization’s financial base, expanding access initiatives, and leveraging arts investment as a catalyst for economic growth and regional competitiveness.


The Arts Council will continue all programming, grantmaking, and community initiatives without interruption during the transition.


For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow this organization on Facebook (@ArtsCouncilFay) or Instagram (@artscouncilfay

bottom of page