The Arts Council, representing the arts, culture and heritage of the Brazos Valley, announced today the selection of Sylvia McMullen as its next chief executive officer. Sylvia most recently served as Student HireAbility Navigator with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments preparing a three-year strategic plan of community collaboration to employ more 14-22 year-old students with disabilities. McMullen will become the second CEO in a decade of the 47-year-old organization and the first woman to lead the Arts Council since its founding. McMullen brings to the position an extensive background in nonprofit management, as well as leadership roles in both the public and private sector. She has a passion for improving the Brazos Valley community for both residents and guests. McMullen’s appointment follows an expansive search and is effective October 22, 2018.
“Sylvia’s previous experience offers the Arts Council extensive knowledge and existing relationships throughout the Brazos Valley. She has been present and has a working knowledge of a number of milestone moments, most importantly the Arts Council’s recent purchase of a new location for exhibits as an arts destination and visitor center for the Brazos Valley,” said Pam Smits, president of the Arts Council Board of Directors. “Sylvia’s vision for the future of the Arts Council is aligned with the board’s strategic priorities to expand the exhibits in its new location and strengthen its position as a leader and advocate for the Arts Council’s 61 affiliates in the Brazos Valley.”
While serving as chief operating officer for the Research Valley Partnership and President of the Brazos Valley campuses of Blinn College, McMullen developed rapport with Texas A&M University and Bryan & College Station leadership and staff. During her tenure she has invested in our community and learned the value of public/private partnerships with the nonprofit community.
McMullen joins the organization at a critical but exciting time of the Arts Council. Chris Dyer, the previous Arts Council CEO, achieved unprecedented success with a capital campaign, raising $1.9 million towards the purchase of the new home for The Arts Council. This exciting milestone followed eight consecutive years of growth in affiliate membership, business and personal membership, revenue, and community engagement under Dyer’s tenure. Following Dyer’s resignation this summer, the Arts Council Board appointed a seven-person search committee. The committee reviewed a number of excellent candidates from across the country. The Arts Council Board voted unanimously to appoint McMullen. “I am honored to be chosen by the Arts Council Board in a time when the momentum is strong and our region is growing. I look forward to contributing to the quality of place for residents and visitors, enhancing our opportunities, and working with the community to continue the foundation laid by Chris Dyer. It’s an exciting time,” says McMullen.
McMullen has successfully guided the evolution and growth of several organizations through a multitude of challenging circumstances, setting and achieving aggressive programmatic and financial goals. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Lamar University, a Master’s in Education Administration from Texas A&M University, and a Jurisprudence Doctorate from the University of Houston.