LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

After a long stretch of uncertain times, 2022 was a year of tremendous energy and excitement at The Center. We were able to once again gather consistently to experience and celebrate the arts, filling the theater lobby with patrons eagerly anticipating performances and visiting with friends. The many wonderful and thought-provoking exhibits in the common areas stirred our emotions. We are grateful to serve as a hub for the arts in Jackson.

Board

DAVID HOPKINS CHAIR

CHRIS LEA VICE CHAIR

REECE JENKINS TREASURER

MACK MENDENHALL SECRETARY

Overall, the number of events this year exceeded pre-pandemic levels. We focused on expanding our offerings, activating collaborative partnerships, and experimented with new patron experiences - including new seating configurations in The Center Theater and a wide variety of outdoor events in The Center Park. No matter your passions, interests, or age, there is something for everyone at The Center.

AGNES BOURNE

SHARI BROWNFIELD

AMANDA “AMY” BRYAN

KEVIN CRAWFORD

CARRIE GERACI

HEATHER GRAY

CECILIA HERBERT

ROBERT HUGGINS

MEKKI JAIDI

JESSE RYAN

KAREN STEWART

Of course, the work we do is only possible because of you - our dedicated community of donors, patrons, sponsors, and grantors. We are humbled by the confidence you extend to us through your support of The Center, and we thank you for supporting the arts in Jackson.

As we embark on another year, collaboration remains at the heart of all that we do. We will continue to expand the diversity of our programming, reflective of an ever-evolving community. We are focused on needed capital improvements for our nearly 20-year-old facility and establishing long-term financial sustainability. We have some hearty challenges as well as transformational opportunities ahead of us. We’ll share all of this with you throughout the year, and we look forward to seeing you on our campus soon!

RANDY WALMSLEY

LINDSAY WILCOX

Staff

MARTY CAMINO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PEARSON BEASLEY ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

WILLI BROOKS EVENT OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

OONA DOHERTY CREATIVE INITIATIVES DIRECTOR

ABI DOMINGUE PATRON SERVICES MANAGER

RON GESSLER FACILITIES MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR

ABBOTT GILBANE MARKETING MANAGER

ANNE LADD DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

PATRICK MILLARD TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

WHITNEY OPPENHUIZEN MARKETING DIRECTOR

JENNIFER SMITH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS

STEPHANIE SMITH FINANCE DIRECTOR