Two dozen days until students cross the bridge for the first time of #OSAI2025 ✌️ (fb)

We are thrilled to share that the OAI Board of Directors has appointed Shannon Gilbert to serve as the next President & CEO of the Oklahoma Arts Institute, effective June 1, 2025! A mission-driven nonprofit leader and passionate arts advocate, Gilbert brings 15 years of experience in arts education, fundraising, and strategic communications to one of Oklahoma’s most esteemed cultural institutions. As President & CEO, she will lead OAI into its next era of growth and impact, building on its nearly 50-year legacy of delivering exceptional arts education to students and educators across the state. Gilbert most recently led strategic donor communications and helped drive major philanthropic campaigns at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., during a period of historic institutional growth. Her work supported landmark initiatives such as the Kennedy Center’s REACH expansion, its 50th Anniversary celebration, and nationally acclaimed programs including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. “It’s an incredible honor to step into this role at such a meaningful moment in OAI’s history,” said Gilbert. “OAI is not only a local cultural treasure, but a program distinct on a national scale—shaped by visionary leadership and sustained by decades of strong partnerships and shared purpose. I’m inspired to carry this work forward and deeply grateful to the Board of Directors, staff, public partners, donors, alumni, teaching artists, and the entire OAI community whose passion and dedication have built a legacy that continues to shape our creative future.” See our full announcement and learn more about Gilbert's impressive career and achievements: https://oaiquartz.org/content/introducing-shannon-gilbert-oai-president-ceo (fb)