To ensure a smooth transition for the organization, Create CA’s board decided to appoint an Interim Executive Director. This temporary, part-time role will be responsible for liaising with the Board of Directors, as well as providing support to the Deputy Directors and the rest of the staff as the executive search progresses. The board conducted a series of interviews with diverse candidates who have deep experience in arts education and policy work.
Create CA is pleased to announce the Board of Directors has appointed Jessica Mele as Create CA’s temporary, part-time Interim Executive Director. Jessica has extensive experience in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. She is currently a philanthropic consultant specializing in the power of creativity and storytelling within foundation strategy. Most recently, she spent eight years as Program Officer for Performing Arts at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, where she led policy and capacity-building initiatives in arts, arts education and EID (equity, diversity, and inclusion). Before that, Jessica was the Executive Director of Performing Arts Workshop, an organization helping young people develop critical thinking and life skills through the arts. Additionally, Jess writes scripts for sketch comedy, TV, and more, and she brings this creativity and focus on storytelling and equity to every aspect of her work.
The board also formed a search committee to begin outlining the process for recruiting Create CA’s next permanent Executive Director. We’ll continue to share important updates related to the transition as they become available.
Create CA is thrilled to welcome Jessica as our Interim Executive Director during this transition.
