Donna S. Collins

Donna S. Collins became executive director of the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) in 2014. Prior to leading OAC, Collins served as the executive director of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE) since 1998 and as the executive director of the Ohio Citizens for the Arts and Foundation (OCA) since 2001. During her tenure, both the OAAE and OCA were recognized statewide and nationally for their success at increasing services to constituents, creating policy, and generating more funds for the arts. Collins brought to OAC more than 20 years of experience in leading statewide nonprofit organizations, demonstrating consistent success and solid results that impact policy, education, economic development, and arts and culture. A proven leader in the field of arts education and arts advocacy, she has worked with the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network (KCAAEN) on the Network Leadership Committee and as a consultant to state alliances across the nation. She also served as an Americans for the Arts state captain and a State Arts Action Network chair and member, as well as chair of the Arts Education Council. In addition, Collins is a member of the steering committee of the Cultural Data Project/Ohio. Collins currently serves on NASAA’s Development Committee and has also served on the Awards and Dues Task Forces. She has received the Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award from Americans for the Arts; Distinguished Fellow and Arts Administration Awards by the Ohio Art Education Association; VSA Ohio’s Fran Bay Award; executive director recognition from the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network in 2003, 2008, 2011, and 2014; and induction into the Ohio Educational Theatre Association’s Hall of Fame. Collins was honored by the Ohio PTA as a life member. (Board term: 2018-2023)