Leader for a tumultuous time: Charlotte Arts & Science Council names interim president
The Arts & Science Council on Monday announced Monifa D. Drayton as interim president of the organization at a time when the nonprofit is working to redefine and strengthen its role as a leading advocate and funder for arts in Charlotte.
Drayton replaces Krista Terrell, who announced in August she would resign from the position in December. Terrell has been president since 2021, and worked for the ASC for 21 years. The ASC said in a news release its national search for a new president is ongoing, and Drayton will serve in the role until the permanent replacement is found.
ASC Board Chair Tony Perez told The Charlotte Observer the organization hopes to have someone in the position in three to four months.
“We’re going to look far and wide,” Perez said. “Right now, (Drayton) is just the interim president, but that may always change. Sometimes these things take turns that you don’t anticipate.”
Drayton brings more than 20 years of executive and strategic leadership experience to the ASC, and currently serves as the chair of the Mecklenburg Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. She is the first Black woman to hold that position, overseeing a $270 million dollar budget.
“Monifa is an accomplished, respected and recognized leader in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. Her significant experience leading high performing teams and nurturing mission-driven cultures will be invaluable during this transition,” Perez said in a statement. “Monifa’s strong management background and passion for the arts will help ensure ASC continues its critical work to support the cultural sector as we look to the future.”
Drayton’s résumé includes leadership positions within the health care industry, including as an assistant vice president at Atrium Health. Since 2022, she has led Drayton Leadership Group LLC, which specializes in strategic planning; leadership development; diversity, equity and inclusion; and teammate engagement.
“I am beyond excited to join an incredible team and follow in the pathway blazed by Krista Terrell,” Drayton said in the news release.
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The ASC’s role in arts funding
The ASC was founded in 1958 as the Charlotte Arts Fund, and served for more than 40 years as a funding pass-through agency for area arts and culture organizations. However, in early 2021, the Charlotte City Council diverted much of its funding for the ASC to a newly formed Arts and Culture Advisory Board. That group was tasked with developing a long-term plan for arts funding in the city, and last week, the Arts & Culture Plan was accepted by City Council.
The city established “the Infusion Fund,” a public-private partnership in conjunction with the Foundation for the Carolinas to distribute arts money and hired its first arts and culture officer in 2021.
The city’s move divided many in the arts community, as well as City Council and Mecklenburg County commissioners, over the future of arts funding in the region. The county had opted to continue working with the ASC.
While the future of ASC’s involvement with the city remains uncertain, Arts and Culture Board co-chair Cyndee Patterson and Priya Sircar, the arts and culture officer, both said they’re hopeful that the organization will continue to be an important part of arts and culture governance, especially when it comes to grant-making.
“It does seem like our ability to do what we’ve been doing for the last multiple years is appreciated, and we’re going to participate in whatever way the community wants us to participate,” Perez said.
“It really is an exciting time,” Perez continued. “I think there’s still obviously a lot of questions on exactly the tactical steps that need to happen and who will own those tactical steps. But it’s making progress, and that’s the important thing for the community.
