King Arts Complex Honors Demetries Neely
Celebrating 13 Years of Success, Board Launches Search for Next Leader
After 25 years of service to the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex, Executive Director and CEO Demetries Neely is ready to pursue new professional opportunities. Neely plans to remain through June 30, the end of the organization’s fiscal year, and help to ensure a smooth transition to her successor.
“Leading the King Arts Complex has been the honor of my professional career,” Neely said. “I love this institution and the outstanding people who make it successful. With their help, I have achieved what I set out to do, and I am ready to explore what is next for me.”
Neely was chosen to lead the King Arts Complex in 2011. Prior to that, she served 12 years as a King Arts board member. The King Arts Complex Board of Directors has hired BroadView Talent Partners to conduct a search for its next leader.
"We are grateful for the impactful leadership of Demetries Neely, who not only brought financial stability but also revitalized the King Arts Complex," said U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus). "I eagerly anticipate the appointment of dynamic new leadership to further build upon the successful foundation established by Demetries and her team."
As executive director and CEO, Neely’s accomplishments include:
- Positioning the King Arts Complex on a path of financial sustainability.
- Increasing the organizational donor base.
- Leading major capital improvement projects to enrich the quality of the facility.
- Installing the first King Arts endowment.
- Paying off the organization’s last loan and leaving it debt-free.
- Establishing ongoing collaborations with a variety of arts organizations.
- Enhancing King Arts’ brand equity.
- Increasing innovative new partnerships with organizations including Gramercy Books, Nike and Google to modernize exhibits.
- Receiving national recognition by the Wallace Foundation as one of 11 high-performing arts organizations of color.
“Demetries is going out on top, and we are grateful for her leadership,” said Board of Directors Chair Alycia N. Broz. “She has lived our mission. She has connected and welcomed all members of the community into our doors. We look forward to honoring Demetries and celebrating all she has brought to the King Arts Complex and to the community at large.”
About the King Arts Complex
Serving as a major anchor of the King-Lincoln District, the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex is an oasis for cultural and educational activities that enhance awareness of the vast contributions of African Americans. Learn more.