Michael Donovan

Michael Donovan leads the state agency supporting the arts that creates a stronger State of Missouri. He is responsible for developing a strategic and effective organization, supporting a professional staff, and creating training and professional development for nonprofit arts organizations. His focus includes expanded presence statewide, proportional and equitable grant funding, and building partnerships and creative communities. Before joining the agency, he was the editor of a publication on fundraising events for nonprofits, directed a cultural center in Louisiana and worked for a united arts fund in Ohio. For more than 40 years, Donovan has been a professional in the arts, serving on many cultural and community boards, including the Mid-America Arts Alliance, and grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and several states and communities. As a writer and frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, his topics include program development, strategic planning, fundraising and marketing. VSA Arts recognized his commitment to accessibility and artists with disabilities with its Award of Excellence. He also participated in the Missouri Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class. (Board term FY2024-2026)