Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch was named to the 2020 NPT Power & Influence Top 50, an annual list in its 23rd year highlighting the nonprofit sector’s top working executives for innovation and influence on the broader sector. This is the sixth year Lynch has been recognized by the publication for his leadership for Americans for the Arts. He was previously recognized in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2019.  
 
“I am honored to be part of this year’s NPT Power & Influence Top 50 as testimony to the hard work of Americans for the Arts staff as we launched studies about the impact of the pandemic, advocated for federal relief, and provided resources and support to the field as COVID-19 devastated the arts and culture sector,” said Lynch. “The arts are the lifeblood of our communities, uniting people and providing comfort during dark times, while also delivering a huge economic footprint, so it is vital that we continue to fight for them in the months and years to come.”

In its description about Lynch, The NonProfit Times wrote: “Lynch has worked to ensure that lungs of a community – the arts – recover from COVID-19. Data from the Small Business Administration shows that the arts had the highest percentage of ‘temporary closings.’ Tools his organization developed for messaging and funding were stunningly good. And, every year some element of Congress wants to cut arts funding but he keeps getting even more money.”

Others named to the 2020 NPT Power & Influence Top 50 include:

• James Canales, President and Trustee, The Barr Foundation
• Daniel Cardinali, President and CEO, Independent Sector
• Timothy J. McClimon, President, American Express Foundation
• Henry Timms, Executive Director, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

“These are trying times around the globe,” The Nonprofit Times announcement said. “The executives…are blazing the path to getting everyone through this nightmare and ensuring the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t an oncoming train.”

The 2020 honorees were selected from a group of roughly 300 executives. A committee of NonProfit Times staff, contributors, and a few executives were involved in the selection process. The executives on the NPT Power & Influence Top 50 list must have had an impact during the previous 12 months. The in-person gala celebration that usually takes place at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C. will be postponed to a later date.  
 
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of 60 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
 
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