CHARLOTTE, NC.- McColl Center announced Asa Jackson as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 6, 2025. Jackson, a multidisciplinary artist and accomplished arts leader, emerged as the top candidate after a nationwide search conducted by McColl Center's Board of Directors in partnership with Nexus Search Partners.
A former McColl Center artist-in-residence, Jackson brings a deep connection to McColl Center’s mission and a wealth of experience in nonprofit arts leadership. He co-founded and served as Executive Director of the Contemporary Arts Network (CAN) Foundation, a thriving arts nonprofit in Newport News, Virginia, dedicated to building sustainable careers for artists through community-focused initiatives, professional development, and strategic partnerships. Under Jackson’s leadership, CAN Foundation pioneered programs like the CAN Residency, professional development workshops, and collaborative exhibitions that connect artists with essential resources and networks to support their long-term career growth.
"Asa Jackson’s dedication to fostering artistic talent, paired with his experience as a nonprofit leader, makes him an extraordinary choice for McColl Center’s future," said Vicki Block, Chair of McColl Center’s Board of Directors. "We’re excited to see him carry forward our mission and deepen our impact in the arts community."
As an artist, Jackson has exhibited widely, with recent showings at prominent venues such as MoCA Arlington, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Hodges Taylor Gallery in Charlotte, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center in Charlotte. His works are also part of prestigious collections, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Capital One Corporate Collection, The Rockwell Museum, and the Hascoe Collection. His leadership experience extends beyond the studio; Jackson served on the board of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, where he acted as Chair for the 2022 fiscal year, advocating for public funding and policy that strengthens the arts sector.
Reflecting on his upcoming role, Jackson shared, “I am deeply honored and excited to join McColl Center at this pivotal moment. My experience as a resident artist here was transformative, and I look forward to leading an organization that has been a cornerstone in empowering artists and fostering creativity. Together with McColl Center’s talented team, I’m eager to deepen our impact and expand opportunities for artists to thrive.”
Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Jackson has built connections across the country, having lived and worked in New York, Los Angeles, and other creative cities. After studying at Boston University, he pursued his art career full-time, gaining valuable insights and relationships in diverse creative communities nationwide. Now, Jackson is excited to bring these experiences to Charlotte, relocating with his wife, Kira, and their two sons to join the McColl Center community.
