CCAC is proud to announce the hiring of Ruth E. Dickey as its founding Executive Director to spearhead the development and implementation of programming in preparation for our initial program offerings in Fall 2008.

Ms. Dickey, an award-winning poet, brings to CCAC 14 years of nonprofit leadership experience with emphasis on arts, education, and community enhancement, all major focus areas for CCAC.

Ruth will provide overall leadership with an initial focus on programming development while working to build our relationships with existing program partners, smaller arts organizations, volunteers and community leaders. In addition, she will work in conjunction with the Board of Directors on fundraising efforts and oversee strategic planning and marketing initiatives.

“I am honored and delighted to join CCAC in realizing their inspiring vision for creating a vibrant arts center and a thriving community,” says Ms. Dickey.

CCAC Board President Cindy Herrick says, “We are delighted to have Ruth Dickey join the Clifton Cultural Arts Center as its first paid staff member. Her extensive background in nonprofit leadership and her arts and education focus made her an ideal fit for the culture and mission of the organization. The Board of Directors unanimously voted to select her as our founding Executive Director. She will be a strong asset and a crucial catalyst in the fulfillment of CCAC’s mission.”

Ms. Dickey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Humanities and International Affairs and a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

A graduate of Leadership Tomorrow and a past Board member and Chair elect of the South King Council of Human Services in Seattle, WA, Ruth was selected as a Puget Sound Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree in 2006. She was the 2001 recipient of the Mayor’s Arts Award as Outstanding Emerging Artist and winner of the 2001 Shayne Leadership Award from the Washington Council of Agencies for her excellence in leadership as an Executive Director.

Please join us in welcoming Ruth to Cincinnati and CCAC.