CHARLOTTE, NC – The Arts & Science Council Board of Directors recently appointed Adam Santalla Pierce as the permanent president of ASC. Santalla Pierce, a seasoned nonprofit executive and cultural strategist, has been with ASC since 2017 and most recently served as interim president, following his role as vice president of community & artist support.

“Adam has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg creative community,” said Foundation For The Carolinas president Laura Yates Clark. “His expertise in arts philanthropy, community engagement and equitable investment in local artists has made a lasting impact on ASC’s mission. Under his leadership, ASC is poised to continue its transformative work in fostering a more inclusive and vibrant cultural sector.”

With over a decade of experience in the performing arts and arts philanthropy, Santalla Pierce has championed capacity building, equitable investment and the development of accessible arts experiences. As vice president of community & artist support, he led ASC’s grantmaking operations, board and staff management, community engagement, and strategic planning. His leadership helped secure $1.4 million from foundations and government entities to support ASC’s grantmaking, in addition to spearheading an unprecedented $3.2 million investment framework in the local creative class.

“I am honored to continue leading ASC during this exciting time for the arts,” said Santalla Pierce. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners, artists and organizations to cultivate thriving and inclusive arts access throughout our community.”

In addition to his administration leadership, Santalla Pierce has been a bridge between the arts community and key stakeholders, successfully advocating for increased funding in arts education and nonprofit development. His fundraising expertise has strengthened ASC’s ability to sustain and expand diverse cultural programs, ensuring long-term impact.

Santalla Pierce holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virgina and is an active member of The Plus Collective, where he provides arts expertise, strategic leadership, and guidance for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s LGBTQIA+ community foundation.

The Arts & Science Council is a supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas. For more information about ASC: ArtsAndScience.org; for more information about Foundation For The Carolinas: FFTC.org. 

About Foundation For The Carolinas

Founded in 1958, Foundation For The Carolinas is a nonprofit community foundation that serves a 13-county region across the Carolinas. FFTC helps people, nonprofits and companies amplify the impact of their charitable endeavors through service to fundholders and community convening to address critical issues. Our mission is to inspire philanthropy and empower individuals to create a better community. Visit fftc.org or philanthropyFOCUS.org. 

About ASC

The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Local Arts Agency and a cultural catalyst driving economic growth, community retention, and upward mobility through arts, science, and culture. As a supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas, ASC strengthens and sustains the region’s creative ecosystem by investing in creatives, cultural organizations, and community programming. 

Through individual donors, community partnerships, and resources from local and state and government, ASC ensures that arts, culture, and creativity are accessible, fostering a sense of belonging and positioning Charlotte as a premier cultural destination. ASC’s core initiatives include grantmaking, public art stewardship, cultural education, fundraising, and capacity-building programs that support a vibrant creative sector.

Stay up to date on ASC news and happenings at ArtsAndScience.org and on Facebook, and Instagram .