Arts Center of Coastal Carolina announces new leader

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey S. Reeves to chief executive officer and president. Reeves was previously the executive vice president and chief operating officer, having joined the Arts Center in October 2001.

The Arts Center’s Board Chair Robert Lee said, “Momentum is critical to the success of any organization. When an organization loses a successful leader, it is challenged with replacing that leader with a person of equal dedication, passion and skill. When Kathi Bateson approached me about her retirement, our executive committee immediately began the difficult task of finding our new president and CEO. Well it turns out that the task was not that difficult, because the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina has been blessed with a CEO-in-waiting for the 18+ years. I am delighted to welcome Jeffrey as our new CEO. He has proven himself at excelling in strategic leadership and execution. He is the perfect individual to lead the Arts Center with continued distinction.”

In leadership roles for more than 30 years, Reeves has demonstrated a strong track record in the finance and accounting fields, commercial construction, as well as in operations and technology management. He has worked in banking and corporate environments, as well as contributed his time extensively as a consultant and advisor for non-profit arts organizations.

Some of his community service affiliations include long-term member of Theatre Communications Group National Executive Roundtable, four years as president and two years as treasurer for the Timbercrest Homeowners’ Association, membership on the Community Advisory Board of Robinson Grant & Co., P.A., Blackbaud Client Advisory Board for Product Development, Hilton Head Island Rotary Club, Hilton Head Island Visitor and Convention Bureau digital marketing task force, Hilton Head Hospitality Association Island Ambassador certification, as well as Hilton Head Preparatory School Arts Guild Scholarship adjudication panel chairman.

Lee also emphasized, “Jeffrey’s business acumen and integrity combined with his commitment to exemplary theater, presenting, education and outreach were vital qualities considered by our board when preparing for this transition, which so far has been seamless.”

Kathi Bateson retired as president/CEO to become executive artistic producer and help with the leadership transition through June 30, 2020. She has served the Arts Center for over 22 years with passion and commitment to the Arts Center and the arts in our region, resulting in being conferred the Governor’s Verner Award for Arts Individual in May 2019 as well as the naming of the Arts Center’s main stage, the Kathleen P. Bateson Stage, to honor her legacy.

Reeves said, “I am both honored and energized to assume this position and have deep respect for all the work that has taken place to build the Arts Center into the organization it is today. I look forward to working closely with the board, the Arts Center staff, and our volunteers. I am committed to fully engage with all of our patrons, donors and community leaders to continue expanding our horizons and moving us forward.”