The longtime executive director of the Quad City Arts organization is leaving to take a job to promote the arts at Florida State University.
Kevin Maynard, who is also a member of the Rock Island City Council, will leave Quad City Arts on Friday, Oct. 25. He will start his new position as executive director of the Opening Nights group at FSU on Monday, Nov. 4.
Opening Nights is a professional performing arts presenter. “Since its inaugural festival seasons, Opening Nights has evolved into an annual series of performances that occur from the fall to the spring, drawing a curated, lauded selection of artists to Florida State’s campus year after year. Our efforts continue to bolster our program and arts education within the community,” according to the Opening Nights’ website.
In his new role at Florida State, Mr. Maynard will administer and implement strategies that advance the organization through the presentation of world-class programming, dissemination of educational opportunities in the arts, and creation of meaningful community engagement while achieving annual revenue goals, according to information from Florida State.
“Kevin has been an outstanding leader and will be missed by many in the community. During his time with Quad City Arts, he transformed the organization by expanding partnerships, increasing accessibility to the arts, and leading impactful projects like the Artist Index and public art installations in the Quad Cities. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him the best in this new chapter of his life in Florida,” according to an announcement on the Quad City Arts Facebook page on Monday afternoon, Oct. 7.
Quad City Arts leaders added that an announcement will be made soon concerning the leadership transition at the organization.
Deep regional roots
Mr. Maynard is a Geneseo, Illinois, native who holds bachelor of accountancy and Master of Business Administration degrees from Western Illinois University. He was a member of the inaugural 2022 class of QCBJ 40 Under 40 honorees.
He has more than 15 years of experience in arts management and philanthropy,
Before joining Quad City Arts, Mr. Maynard served as executive director of The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois. There he led a successful community campaign to renovate the 100-year-old theater.
In February, he was appointed to the vacated Third Ward seat on the Rock Island City Council.
“It is bittersweet to close this chapter. Quad City Arts has been an extraordinary place to lead, and I am grateful for the support of our dedicated board, staff and the community. Together, we have accomplished much to strengthen the arts in the Quad Cities. There is a new, exciting chapter ahead for placemaking and art in the Quad Cities,” Mr. Maynard said in a statement on the Quad City Arts website.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Maynard to the Florida State University family,” said Eric Friall, chair of the Opening Nights Development Council, in a news release on the Florida State News service. “His extensive experience and passion for the arts make him an ideal leader for Opening Nights. We are confident that he will continue to elevate our performing arts series and enrich the cultural life of our community.”
Mr. Maynard said in that FSU release, “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead Opening Nights at Florida State University,” “I look forward to contributing to the vibrant cultural fabric of the university and the Tallahassee community.”
