Jennifer Cole named Nashville Arts Commission Executive Director

Jennifer Cole was recently selected from a field of more than 400 applicants and will begin work in her new position on January 19. Jane Alvis, who steered the 11-month nationwide search, says of Cole, “She is a passionate supporter of the arts with a focus on innovative results. We couldn’t be happier that she has accepted the position.” Cole’s previous position involved a number of high-profile responsibilities including orchestration of a nationwide Cities of Service partnership with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the United We Serve effort launched by the White House last June. Victor Simmons, curator of the Fisk University Galleries and a Nashville Arts Commissioner who served on the search committee, said, “It is clear to me that Ms. Cole has both the mind and the heart for taking arts in Nashville to new levels.”