Kentuck Names Skinner As Its New Executive Director; Other Promotions & Changes Announced

NORTHPORT, AL — The Kentuck Art Center’s Board of Directors on Thursday announced several promotions, including a change in its executive director position.

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The board voted in October to promote Exa Skinner, Kentuck’s current deputy director, and executive director, while current Executive Director Amy Echols will take on the role of advisor for arts and strategic growth.

“I am excited to lead such a dynamic organization that perpetuates the arts,” Skinner said. “It’s also great to recognize the contributions of my colleagues Ashley and Molly to Kentuck, as well as their increasing responsibilities in leadership.”

Additionally, Ashley Williams has been named director of marketing and communications, along with Molly Nelko being promoted to program manager.

The promotions will be effective on Jan. 1, 2024.

“As part of Kentuck’s strategic growth and succession plan, Mrs. Skinner has been a part of our board meetings for the last two years and has taken on even greater leadership roles within the organization,” Kentuck Board President Bobby Bragg said. “She has been instrumental in the Arts Center getting substantial grants for our outreach of arts to the children and adults of the community.”

Skinner first began working at Kentuck Art Center in 2015 as its program manager and was eventually promoted to director of operations in 2018 and then later deputy director in 2021.

“The promotion of Mrs. Skinner to Executive Director has been my vision for a while, and fortunately for Kentuck, she is embracing the challenge,” Echols said. “Her passion, dedication, excellent business acumen, and leadership abilities to fulfill our mission and vision for the betterment of our community will ensure that Kentuck will continue to reach new heights of success.”

This also comes at an interesting time for the nonprofit. As Patch previously reported, has been engaged in a contentious public spat with the City of Northport over funding and the current site of the Kentuck Festival of the Arts.

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