Seems like the retirement bug is calling.
First, Mike Nagowski announced on January 30 he’ll be leaving as chief executive officer of Cape Fear Valley Health after 18 years on July 1. Then, Stanley Wearden said on February 12 he’ll be departing as president of Methodist University on June 30, 2027.
Now, Bob Pinson said he’s stepping away from the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County after 15 years, the past 5½ as president and chief executive officer.
“Serving this organization and our community for almost 15 years has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Pinson said Monday. “I am deeply grateful for the trust, support, and partnership of the board, staff, artists, volunteers, funders and community members who have made this work so meaningful.
“I attribute any and all success I have had to the talented people on our staff and boards over the years that have worked alongside of me and to our strong partners at the county and city level, and to the organizations that make up our vibrant cultural community that continue to support the Arts Council’s work.
“I am most proud that together we have strengthened the role of the arts in our community, expanded access and opportunity for all,” Pinson said, “and built an organization that is resilient, respected, and impactful.”
Humble words from a humble man.
That’s Bob Pinson.
While Pinson for certain is taking his leave on June 30, retirement isn’t a word striking his fancy.
“Retirement is not in my vocabulary right now but not sure where my next adventure will be,” he said. “I hope I can find something where I can continue to strengthen our community.”
But he’s confident in knowing the Arts Council is on solid footing and will continue moving forward under Kennon Jackson Jr., who is the council’s chief of staff and who has been appointed by the Arts Council board of trustees to succeed Pinson.
“My decision to conclude my service at the end of my agreement has not been an easy one but comes with confidence in the organization’s future and deep respect for its leadership and staff,” Pinson said. “The Arts Council is a solid organization that is ready to soar to new heights. Over the coming months, I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition and will work closely with both Kennon Jackson and our board to support continuity and long-term success. It truly has been my privilege to serve with this extraordinary organization and community, and I look forward to remaining a lifelong supporter and advocate for the arts here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.”
Smooth Transition to Come
With 6½ years at the Art Council, Pinson said, Jackson brings institutional knowledge and strategic leadership to the position.
“As chief of staff, Kennon has played a central role in advancing the Arts Council’s strategic plan, strengthening operational infrastructure, leading major initiatives and cultivating partnerships that align arts investment with tourism, education and economic development outcomes,” Pinson said. “Under Kennon’s leadership, I fully expect the Arts Council to continue to focus on deepening community connections, strengthening the organization’s financial base, expanding access initiatives and leveraging arts investment as a catalyst for economic growth and regional competitiveness. Kennon and I have worked together for the past three years in support of such a transition. By transitioning directly to Kennon, the Arts Council will continue all programming, grantmaking and community initiatives without interruption.”
Jackson, 51, said the Arts Council is better because of Pinson.
“Bob has provided steady, credible leadership during a period of significant change for the Arts Council,” he said. “He helped professionalize the organization, strengthened its relationships with the city and county and ensured the Arts Council remained financially stable and mission-focused through both growth and uncertainty.
“His tenure positioned the organization as a trusted civic partner and gave the Arts Council the institutional footing it has today.
“Having worked closely with Bob for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how that stability created space for the next phase of leadership,” Jackson said. “I’m grateful for the foundation he built and I’m also clear about the opportunities ahead. The Arts Council is ready to move from stability to momentum, from stewardship to expansion and I’m excited to lead that next chapter with a focus on impact, visibility and long-term sustainability.”
A ‘Dickens’ of a Controversy
Don’t get the idea it always was smooth sailing for Pinson as the Arts Council leader. There was the Arts Council board’s decision in 2022 to end the long running “A Dickens Holiday,” the post-Thanksgiving holiday festival, in favor of a longer “Holidays On Hay … A Season of Light” drone light show.
Arts Council trustees wanted to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion more in keeping with the city and county population, and the board believed the Victorian-themed event wasn’t realizing its potential in recognizing all ethnicities.
Downtown Alliance and Cool Spring District merchants and supporters were in a tizzy, and they let Pinson and the Arts Council trustees know it.
“The Downtown Alliance and Cool Spring District were two organizations that both focused on the success of our downtown,” Pinson said. “‘A Dickens Holiday’ perfectly fit their mission and provided them with a successful event to help strengthen day-to-day collaboration and raise funds for the organizations.
“Since 2022, the Arts Council continues to work very closely with both organizations and the event organizers with logistical and financial support for the artists employed during the event. The event continues to draw local residents and tourists into our community and has spun off a new local nonprofit organization that has the capability of raising funds and applying for grants to further strengthen our downtown organizations throughout the year. As such, the Arts Council has been successful in capacity building two local organizations.
“I believe that both the Downtown Alliance and Cool Spring Downtown District leadership understood why the Arts Council was looking to shift ownership of this event to them,” Pinson said. “I believe this is why this event continues to grow, and with the ability to garner sponsorships and donations, the organizations themselves can grow to better support the growth of the downtown throughout the year. Leadership is making the best-informed decision possible based on the mission and strategic plan even if it draws criticism.”
Beyond the Dickens controversy, Pinson took pride in downtown art along the city streets and the annual International Folk Festival, a signature event of the Arts Council with its colorful Parade of Nations and cultures over 47 years.
There was more celebration to come.
“The 2024-25 season has been transformative, demonstrating once again that art has the power to heal, unite, and strengthen our shared bonds,” Pinson said earlier this year.
He noted that the nonprofit awarded $1,096,180 in grants to artists and arts organizations, generated $1.65 million in government revenue and welcomed 13,439 visitors for arts exhibits through grant funding. In early February, the Arts Council hosted a public open house for its new ArtsXL building.
“Our vision is an arts community where creativity flourishes and everyone feels welcome to participate, create and connect,” he said.
Epilogue
Call Bob Pinson’s decision to step away from the Arts Council whatever you will—resignation, retirement, or just looking for another challenge.
“My 98-year-old father late in his life challenged me by saying, ‘Bob, you have to plant more trees in life.’ He went on to explain that when you plant a tree, you may never be able to swing from that tree or even rest in the tree’s shade, but someday someone will and all because you planted that tree.
“His lesson to me was that we need to do those things in life not for personal glory, but because it’s the right thing, even when tough or unpopular, and realize it will have an impact on someone even if we never see it. The Arts Council has allowed me to plant trees in our community that continue to grow and make Fayetteville and Cumberland County a better place to live in the present and provide opportunities to grow into the future. I am profoundly grateful for the relationships built, the challenges met and the shared belief in the power of the arts to enrich lives. Together, we have changed our world for the better.
“The word retirement is not in my vocabulary just yet as I still have more trees to plant here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County,” Pinson said. “Having served in the 82nd Airborne Division, I feel as though I’m standing in the open door of that C-130 holding my static line in one hand and covering the handle of my reserve with the other waiting for the green light. I know my parachute will open, but I don’t know where the winds of life will take me, but I have confidence in a safe landing.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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