Ohio Arts Council (OAC) Executive Director Donna S. Collins has been elected to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) Board of Directors.

As part of a rigorous national nomination process, state arts agencies elected Collins and other exemplary leaders at the NASAA 2017 Leadership Institute in Portland, Oregon, in October. Collins will serve a three-year term. 

“It is an honor to serve on the NASAA Board partnering with other national leaders dedicated to advancing the arts,” Collins said. “Together we work to make our nation stronger through the many cultural, economic, and educational benefits the arts bring to every state and territory.” 

The board includes representatives from 20 states and U.S. jurisdictions who come together to encourage state and federal support for the arts and to broaden opportunities for arts participation across America in geographically, artistically, culturally, and economically diverse settings.

"We are delighted to welcome Donna to the NASAA board," said NASAA President and Chief Executive Officer Pam Breaux. "She is an experienced leader who brings with her keen policy acumen, dedication to serving the public, and a genuine passion for the arts. We are excited to work with Donna and we welcome her expertise and guidance." 

Collins brought to the OAC more than 20 years of experience in leading statewide nonprofit organizations, demonstrating consistent success and solid results that impact policy, education, economic development, and arts and culture.

A proven leader in the field of arts education and arts advocacy, she has worked with the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network (KCAAEN) on the Network Leadership Committee and as a consultant to state alliances across the nation. She also served as an Americans for the Arts state captain and a State Arts Action Network chair and member, as well as chair of the Arts Education Council.

Collins currently serves on NASAA's Development Committee and has also served on the Awards and Dues Task Forces. She has received the Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award from Americans for the Arts; Distinguished Fellow and Arts Administration Awards by the Ohio Art Education Association; VSA Ohio's Fran Bay Award; executive director recognition from the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network in 2003, 2008, 2011, and 2014; and induction into the Ohio Educational Theatre Association's Hall of Fame.

NASAA Chair Benjamin Brown said the NASAA 2018 board “continues to be representative of an exceptionally strong and committed membership.”

"I am eager to work with Donna and this team of outstanding leaders in coming months,” he said. “Together, we will strengthen state arts agencies and elevate the many cultural, educational, civic, and economic benefits they provide to citizens."

For more information about NASAA’s 2018 Board of Directors, visit nasaa-arts.org/about- nasaa/board-of-directors. 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF STATE ARTS AGENCIES 
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies is the nonpartisan, nonprofit membership organization that unites, represents, and serves the nation's state and jurisdictional arts agencies. Founded in 1968, NASAA represents their individual and collective interests, empowers their work through knowledge, and advances the arts as an essential public benefit. To learn more about NASAA and state arts agencies, visit nasaa-arts.org.