Robert C. “Bob” Pinson has been named the new president and CEO of the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County.
Pinson has been the interim president of the Arts Council for three years. Before that, he was director of operations for nine years, according to a news release.
“Bob’s passion for the Arts Council’s mission, our member organizations, and this community is unquestionable. He did a tremendous job steering the Arts Council through the pandemic while making sure that our area artists and organizations kept their funding,” said Rick Allen, chairman of Arts Council board.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pinson focused on providing relief to individual artists and arts organizations across Cumberland County.
Pinson arrived in Fayetteville more than 33 years ago in July 1989 when he was assigned by the Army to Fort Bragg. He enlisted in the Army in July 1969 and graduated from West Point in 1974, the release said. He served as an infantry officer in the 101st Airborne Division, 18th Airborne Corps, and 82nd Airborne Division, the release said.
Upon his return from Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Pinson was a personal adviser to Maj. Gen. Hugh Shelton.
After retiring from the military in 1994, Pinson served almost a decade as parish administrator and treasurer of St. John’s Episcopal Church and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Fayetteville.
Pinson earned a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy, a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, and a second bachelor of science degree in accounting from Methodist College, the release said. He and his wife, Suzanne, have three children and four grandchildren.
