We’re losing our Joy

Joy Young on to bigger, better things in Sunshine State

The S.C. Arts Commission is in a somber mood today because it marks the last day in the office for Joy Young after 14 years of service here.

Joy Young

In addition to serving South Carolinians in Cherokee, Georgetown, Greenville, Horry, and Spartanburg counties as an SCAC county coordinator, she worked diligently to build the ArtsGrowSC and Artists’ Ventures Initiatives programs to help arts entrepreneurs in the state find resources to help them build stable, sustainable careers in the arts. She also directed leadership and organizational development and presenting and performing arts programs among and, closer to home, directed our agency human resources.

In an email to staff last month announcing her departure, Executive Director Ken May said, “In February she will begin her tenure as executive director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville in Florida. Joy has been an outstanding team member at the Arts Commission, where she has served in many roles during her time here, including director of administration and human resource. Of course we hate to lose a great staff leader like Joy, but we are very proud and supportive of her as she pursues this wonderful new opportunity. And something tells me that we will continue to have strong ties, even if she is a couple of states away.”

Joy’s smile and infectious enthusiasm leaves a big hole in our hearts, but our staff is excited for this fantastic career opportunity for someone who’s earned every last bit of it. Congratulations and best wishes, Joy!