Jessica Ball

Jessica Ball is a visionary millennial leader and dedicated public servant who leverages the power of the arts to inspire innovation, strengthen communities and drive economic growth. As director of the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA), Ball leads statewide efforts to enrich lives and expand access to the arts. Under her leadership, the agency has achieved transformative milestones, including a $2.5 million increase in arts funding, the launch of new programs supporting individual artists and underserved communities, and the creation of the nation’s first Arts Equity and Innovation Incubator. Before joining DDOA, Ball served as executive director of the Delaware Arts Alliance, where she led key initiatives to advance arts and culture statewide. She spearheaded the establishment of Delaware’s Arts & Culture Caucus, collaborated with policymakers on policy and funding strategies, and secured a $1 million grant to develop the state’s Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism Growth Plan (CREATE Plan). Throughout her career, Ball has built impactful partnerships across the public, private and cultural sectors, championing equity and business innovation in the creative economy. Beyond her professional achievements, Ball is an artisan and cofounder of Handmade Modern Accessories, a business owned by women and Black creative entrepreneurs. She serves on the board of Mid Atlantic Arts and is a Delaware Fund for Women founder. Guided by a belief in the arts as a catalyst for progress, Ball remains committed to fostering creativity, inclusion and opportunity for all. (Board term 2026-2028)