Americans for the Arts (AFTA) has announced its interim leadership. Suzy Delvalle and Jamie Bennett will lead the nonprofit, which leverages research and advocacy to advance the arts, as co-chief executive offers beginning on June 1.
Delvalle and Bennett will temporarily succeed current CEO Nolan Bivens, who, as previously announced, will step down after the completion of his tenure at the end of May. During the transition period, the duo will report to Edgar Smith, AFTA’s board chair.
The CEO selection committee, headed by AFTA board members Kristina Newman-Scott and Theo Edmonds, are working with Koya Leadership Partners to conduct a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Delvalle and Bennett are projected to serve in their temporary positions for six to nine months.
Delvalle is no stranger to stepping into temporary leadership positions, having served as an interim head of A Blade of Grass, Artadia, Socrates Sculpture Park and United States Artists. During her tenure as head of Creative Capital, she helped form Artists for Relief, which raised $25 million in relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bennett is the former executive director of ArtPlace America. Additionally, he previously served as chief of staff at the National Endowment for the Arts and chief of staff at the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. As an arts strategist, he has consulted, through a partnership with Lord Cultural Resources, to organizations such as American Museum of Natural History, the Barr Foundation, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the MacArthur Foundation and Walk With Amal.
