Americans for the Arts (AFTA), a national nonprofit that leverages research and advocacy to advance the arts, has announced Erin Harkey as its new CEO. Harkey, who will start in the position in March, will succeed Nolan Bivens, who stepped away from his tenure as president and CEO in June 2024. Suzy Delvalle and Jamie Bennett have served as co-interm CEOs since Bivens’ departure.
Harkey comes to AFTA with over two decades of experience in the nonprofit arts sector. Most recently, Harkey served as executive director of Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Center for the Arts. Harkey held several positions during her time within the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). During her time with DCASE, Harkey created the most expansive and equitable grant program in the agency’s history, distributing $23.5 million in grants during 2023 alone. Harkey also served as senior policy advisor for arts in culture in the Chicago mayor’s office.
“I am honored to lead this historic institution at such a pivotal moment for arts and culture in America,” Harkey said in a statement. “Throughout my career working with local arts agencies and cultural organizations, AFTA has been an invaluable resource, providing the research, tools, and advocacy support essential to our field. Now, by uniting our national network of local arts agencies and leveraging these trusted resources, I’m excited to drive transformation, strengthen collaboration, and champion innovation as we build stronger, more vibrant communities through the arts.”
“Along with the AFTA board of directors, I am thrilled that Erin has accepted the role as our new CEO in the next stage of our journey,” added AFTA board chair Edgar Smith. “The power in the world today is in networks. Erin, is the right leader to serve, advance and lead the network of organizations and individuals who cultivate, promote, sustain and support the arts in America through advocacy, research, convening and collaboration.”
Harkey’s appointment is the result of a search by a committee that was co-chaired by AFTA board members Theo Edmonds and Kristina Newman-Scott.
