Vermont Arts Council has selected Susan Evans McClure as Executive Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She began her tenure on May 8, 2023.
Evans McClure boasts an impressive track record of leadership roles in the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she served as Executive Director at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, Vermont where she made significant contributions to the regional museum’s growth, including increasing museum attendance and memberships, securing grants, and curating several exhibits at the nonprofit museum. Prior to her time at Lake Champlain, Evans McClure served as Executive Director at Inclusive Arts Vermont (formerly VSA Vermont). During her tenure, she advanced her deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to the forefront as part of the organization’s mission to make the arts more accessible. Evans McClure’s leadership abilities are also evident in her service as Director of Programs and Audience Development at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. She notably founded the museum’s first educational food history program initiative, creating the annual Smithsonian Food History Weekend that was named “Best Festival for Foodies” by Washington City Paper.
Evans McClure leads the Board of Directors as Chair at the Addison County Economic Development Corporation and serves as a trustee for the Carpenter-Carse Library in Hinesburg, Vermont. She holds a bachelor of arts in drama & theater from McGill University and a master’s degree in arts education from Harvard University. Evans McClure is also a graduate of the Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont Leadership Institute.
In making the announcement, Chair of the Board of Trustees Rebecca McMeekin said, “Susan brings a wealth of experience to her work as the Arts Council’s next Executive Director. That experience combined with her energy, her commitment to diversity, and her connections with the non-profit and business communities in Vermont will enrich the Council’s work as it moves forward under new leadership.”
“The arts are a vital part of life in Vermont, and I am thrilled to be joining the dedicated team at the Vermont Arts Council in this work to build the future of our creative state,” said Evans McClure.
“It was a pleasure to work with the board, staff, and team at Vermont Arts Council on selecting Susan as its new Executive Director,” said ACG Vice President Jenna Deja. “The Vermont Arts Council, which has been a champion of vital resources for the state’s creative sector, will greatly benefit from the richness of Susan’s experiences and leadership. We are excited to see how Susan’s passion for the arts and the Council’s vision will prosper together.”
May 2023