Arts & Business Council Announces New Executive Director Jill McMillan

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 21, 2017) – The Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville (ABC) is happy to announce the selection of Jill McMillan as its next Executive Director. McMillan will join the ABC on June 28 after finishing up her role at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA) where she serves as Corporate Relations Manager.

“I am honored to join the Nashville arts community and continue building on the strong, artist-centric and mission-driven foundation ABC has established,” said McMillan.

Lucia Folk, board chair of the ABC and vice president of public affairs for CMT, said, “After a thorough executive search process, the ABC Board is delighted to welcome Jill as our next leader. She brings a wealth of diverse life experiences and broad exposure to the arts — and arts infrastructure globally.”

Casey Summar, departing executive director of the ABC said, “I am thrilled to hand over the reins to such a dynamic individual as Jill. ABC has truly been ‘my baby’ for over a decade, and I feel certain she is the right leader for our next chapter and will be a fierce advocate for Nashville’s artists and arts nonprofits.”

Throughout her career, McMillan has developed powerful strategic planning, communications, and stewardship practices; and has a strong administrative foundation from working in companies ranging from a nascent start-up of nine employees, to a well-established institution of more than 150. In her most recent role at ICA, McMillan was responsible for soliciting, cultivating, and managing the full breadth of corporate relationships for the museum, including both the Membership and Sponsorship programs, as well as special event and in-kind partnerships. McMillan is an artist herself and was active in Boston’s arts sector as a dancer with OnStage Dance Company, where she also served as Community Outreach Manager, developing strategies to increase the brand presence of the nonprofit dance company.

McMillan’s appointment concludes an extensive search conducted by the ABC Board’s Executive Committee. Her predecessor, Summar, will overlap with McMillan before relocating to Santa Barbara, Calif., in July to be closer to family.