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Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County announces leadership transition

By Staff Report, posted Feb 13, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Robert Pinson

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County announces a planned leadership transition following 15 years of dedicated service by President and CEO Bob Pinson.

At its regularly scheduled meeting, the Arts Council Board formally accepted Pinson’s resignation, effective June 30, 2026. The Board simultaneously voted to appoint Kennon Jackson, Jr. as the new President/CEO of the Arts Council beginning July 1, 2026, ensuring continuity and stability during this important transition.

Pinson joined the Arts Council in 2011 and has served as president/CEO since 2020. During his tenure, he guided the organization through significant growth, expanded public-private partnerships, strengthened relationships with municipal and county stakeholders and positioned the Arts Council as a driver of cultural vitality and economic development in Cumberland County. Under his leadership, the organization navigated the challenges of the pandemic, sustained critical grantmaking programs, elevated the International Folk Festival and advanced major capital initiatives, including the development and recent opening of the Arts Council’s new arts accelerator, ArtsXL.

“Serving this organization and this community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Bob shared in a press release. “The Arts Council’s impact is made possible by an extraordinary staff, committed Board leadership, and a community that believes in the power of the arts.”

With six and a half years at the Arts Council, Kennon Jackson, Jr. brings deep institutional knowledge and strategic leadership to the role. As chief of staff, Jackson has played a central role in advancing the Arts Council’s strategic plan, strengthening operational infrastructure, leading major initiatives and cultivating partnerships that align arts investment with tourism, education and economic development outcomes.

Under Jackson’s leadership, the Arts Council will continue to focus on deepening community connections, strengthening the organization’s financial base, expanding access initiatives and leveraging arts investment as a catalyst for economic growth and regional competitiveness.

The Arts Council will continue all programming, grantmaking and community initiatives without interruption during the transition.

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