Shelley Best Named as New CEO of Greater Hartford Arts Council

Rev. Dr. Shelley D. Best has been selected as the new CEO of the Greater Hartford Arts Council, following a nearly half-year search process for the organization’s next leader.  Well-known and highly regarded in the Greater Hartford community, Dr. Best brings with her more than 20 years of experience as a non-profit leader.

“The board is thrilled to introduce Shelley as the next CEO to carry on the long legacy of the Arts Council’s work while guiding the organization into its next chapter,” said board president Brian Refici. “Throughout the search process, we were impressed with Shelley’s authentic leadership style, deep knowledge of the arts community, commitment to creating positive impact, and the depth of her experience. We are looking forward to having this transformational leader join the Arts Council team.”

Dr. Best, a nationally recognized leader in social enterprise, community organizing and creative place-making, will join the Council on April 18. She has served as the Executive Director of The Conference of Churches since 2001, where she led the transformation of the organization. During her tenure, Dr. Best led the successful initiative to update and expand the 100+ year old organization’s vision and mission into a more inclusive multiethnic and interfaith community development model.

In 2012, she also founded the 224 EcoSpace, the premier arts, health and wellness center in Hartford and a nationally recognized model of creative social enterprise for The Conference of Churches. Described as the first of its kind in the nation, the facility is “more than a traditional gallery, co-working space, yoga, dance studio and performance sanctuary. We combine them all within our 30,000 square foot community laboratory,” according to the organization’s website. 

 “I could not be more grateful to accept the CEO position at this important organization that consists of an extremely talented team and strong partnerships with dedicated donors and nonprofit partners,” says Dr. Best. “My goal in leading this organization is to build on the achievements of the past 50 years and help envision a successful future. I look forward to meeting with donors, partners, artists and arts leaders as I do a listening tour around the region this summer to learn more about how the Arts Council can continue to foster a diverse and innovative arts ecosystem.”

Kate McOmber, who has served as Interim CEO since September 2020, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer of the 50-year old organization, effective April 18, 2022. McOmber has been with the Greater Hartford Arts Council since 2014, serving in several different management roles during her tenure.  Dr. Best predecessor as CEO, Cathy Malloy, departed in 2020 after nine years leading the organization. 

“We are excited about the future of the Greater Hartford Arts Council and the expertise that Shelley brings to her new role.” said Karen Eisenbach, immediate past chair of the Board of Directors. “The Board is also grateful to the staff for continuing to create success for the organization amidst transition and to Kate for her exceptional leadership during her time as Interim CEO. Kate oversaw the day-to-day operations as well as strategic planning and important shifts in the Arts Council’s work during the pandemic, which provided the Board the opportunity to undergo a thoughtful leadership transition that will take us through the next chapter of this organization’s service to the community.”  

Dr. Best’s appointment concludes a 5-month search process, which attracted more than 70 applicants, and was launched after the organization undertook a strategic planning process in early 2021. The process included feedback from more than 600 community members, arts leaders, artists and donors, concluded with a new Strategic Plan for the organization, as well as new mission and vision statements, and a refined set of organizational values.

The Search Committee comprised of members of the Arts Councils’ Board of Directors, with the help of consultant partner, TSNE. Members of the Search Committee included: Christopher Delello, Chief Human Resources Officer, UCONN; Paul Guzzardi, Audit Director, Deloitte; Amanda Roy, Director of Community Impact, GHAC (staff representative); Patricia Shirley; Janee Woods Weber, Executive Director at Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund; T’Challa Williams, Founder, Hartford’s LIT.

An ordained minister and pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Dr. Best has earned an M.A. in Religious Leadership from Hartford Seminary (now Hartford International University for Religion and Peace); an M.Div from Yale University and a Doctorate in Ministry from Hartford Seminary. 

The Greater Hartford Arts Council has served Connecticut’s capital region for 50 years, “providing critical financial and organizational resources to support the arts and cultural sector, as well as helping all people connect with the arts in their community,” the Council’s website points out, highlighting the Council’s mission “to be a catalyst for the arts and promote an equitable arts ecosystem.”  Funding for the CEO search was provided by an Executive Transition Grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.