“The Board of Directors today announced that Robert L. Lynch has agreed to retire as President and CEO of Americans for the Arts, effective immediately. The Board accepted the decision at its meeting yesterday evening, and thanked Bob for his 36 years of service to the organization and the arts in communities across America. Bob has dedicated his life to the arts, in particular increasing access to the arts for everyone, and we know he will continue to be a passionate advocate for many years to come.

“Following the decision, the Board formally approved the appointment of Nolen Bivens to continue leading the organization as President and CEO. Nolen has a distinguished career as an expert in organizational strategy and in guiding institutions through cultural change. As a thought leader through decades of military service—retiring with the rank of Brigadier General—Nolen was instrumental in the founding of the National Initiative for Arts & Health Across the Military, working with state and local arts agencies, providing access to creative arts therapies at military clinical sites across the country. He has consulted on major federal agency contracts under the administration of Americans for the Arts including the Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Project with the National Endowment for the Arts, and the State Military and Veterans Arts and Humanities Initiative, a collaboration with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Lieutenant Governors Association. Nolen is also a Board Emeritus, and a past Board member of Americans for the Arts.

“The Board also announced today that it has concluded multiple independent, third-party investigations as part of the ongoing work and commitment to creating a more equitable, transparent organization. We look forward to continuing the important work in fulfillment of this mission on behalf of our members and the entire creative community.”