McColl Center Names Asa Jackson President and Chief Executive Officer
Nexus team worked with McColl’s board of directors to place CEO at Charlotte-based nonprofit
Nexus Search Partners is pleased to announce the successful placement of Asa Jackson as President and Chief Executive Officer of McColl Center, effective January 6, 2025, following a comprehensive national search.
As a purpose-driven executive search firm, we partnered with McColl Center's Board of Directors to identify a leader who could advance the organization's mission while bringing fresh perspective and proven leadership experience. Our thorough discovery and assessment process led us to Jackson, a multidisciplinary artist and accomplished arts leader who brings a unique connection to McColl Center as a former artist-in-residence.
Jackson has demonstrated exceptional leadership as co-founder and Executive Director of the Contemporary Arts Network (CAN) Foundation, a thriving arts nonprofit in Newport News, Virginia. The organization focuses on building sustainable careers for artists through community-focused initiatives, professional development, and strategic partnerships. Under his leadership, CAN Foundation successfully launched innovative programs including the CAN Residency, professional development workshops, and collaborative exhibitions that connect artists with essential resources and networks.
"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, in a recent announcement. "We're excited to see him carry forward our mission and deepen our impact in the arts community."
Jackson's artistic accomplishments include exhibitions at prestigious 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 included in distinguished collections including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Capital One Corporate Collection, The Rockwell Museum, and the Hascoe Collection. His leadership extends to policy advocacy through his service on the Virginia Commission for the Arts, where he served as Chair for the 2022 fiscal year.
"I am deeply honored and excited to join McColl Center at this pivotal moment," Jackson shared with the McColl Center team. "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 cultivated extensive connections across the country through his work in New York, Los Angeles, and other creative cities. Following his studies at Boston University, he pursued a full-time art career, gaining valuable insights and relationships in diverse creative communities nationwide. Jackson will relocate to Charlotte with his wife, Kira, and their two sons to join the McColl Center community.
Through our partnership with McColl Center's board and leadership team, we're confident this placement will drive lasting positive impact for the organization and the broader arts community it serves.
Interested in partnering with Nexus Search Partners? Contact us at info@nexussearchpartners.com or call us at (704) 718-3235.