CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2023) – The Arts & Science Council (ASC) announced today that Monifa D. Drayton has been named interim president of ASC. Drayton brings more than 20 years of executive and strategic leadership experience to the organization, including serving as the Principal Consultant for the Drayton Leadership Group, LLC and more than 20 years of leadership experience with Atrium Health. Additionally, she serves as the current Chair of the Mecklenburg Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, helping to oversee a $270 million dollar budget and the strategy to foster social impact.

Drayton will serve in this role until a new president is named. ASC’s Board of Directors is conducting a national search to find the organization’s next leader.

Krista Terrell announced her resignation as ASC President in August and will leave the organization in December.

“Monifa is an accomplished, respected and recognized leader in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. Her significant experience leading high performing teams and nurturing mission-driven cultures will be invaluable during this transition,” said ASC Board Chair Tony Perez. “Monifa’s strong management background and passion for the arts will help ensure ASC continues its critical work to support the cultural sector as we look to the future.”

Drayton has served in multiple leadership positions within the healthcare industry, including operations and business development. Since 2022, she has served as the principal consultant of the Drayton Leadership Group, LLC, which specializes in strategic planning, leadership development, DEI and teammate engagement.

“As a graduate of the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts and longtime supporter of ASC, I recognize the incredible impact that the arts have on creating a vibrate and equitable community. Therefore, I am beyond excited to join an incredible team and follow in the pathway blazed by Krista Terrell,” said Drayton. “With Charlotte being one of the fastest growing cities in America, ensuring that we support diverse creatives and small businesses will continue to be the priority as it plays a vital role in ensuring that our community continues to be a destination city for all.

Drayton earned her bachelor’s degree at South Carolina State University and her Master of Public Administration from UNC Charlotte. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Congressman James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute Inaugural Cohort (2023), Mecklenburg Times 50 Most Influential Women (2023), Atrium Health Excellence in Diversity and Equity Award (2020) and the Diversity MBA Top 100 Emerging Executive Leaders Award (2018).

About ASC

ASC is the chief advocate, resource hub and steward for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region’s cultural community. Its core functions include advocacy, cultural education programs, cultural planning, fundraising, grant making, public art and workshops and trainings for the cultural community. ASC works to ensure Culture For All by combining resources from local and state government with those of the private sector to maximize community impact throughout the cultural sector.

ASC believes that arts, culture and creativity play a critical role in creating a sense of belonging to a community. Stay up to date on ASC news and happenings at ArtsAndScience.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

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