The Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) in Wilmington has hired a new executive director.
James Ray Rhodes officially started his new job two weeks ago.
“I succeed Raye Jones Avery who had been with the organization for 28 years," said Rhodes. "And basically I have the oversight of the facility as far as operations, personnel, human resource issues, etcetera.”
And Rhodes says he’s opened his tenure by focusing internally.
"My number one task is to map out a plan along with our staff, our stakeholders and our board - a strategic plan - what we want to look like in the next one, three, five and 10 years,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes expects that plan will include making the group’s work to provide affordable arts, education, workforce training and live performances more visible throughout Delaware.
“Maybe appear on certain peoples’ programs; our young students dancing; our young performers start to get them out into the community, because there are a lot of communities that still don’t have our presence there," said Rhodes."So the big thing is to get out there and get known and continue to have Christina continue to grow where we need to grow.”
Rhodes is a 21-year military veteran with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and education. He was most recently the real estate coordinator for the New Castle County Sheriff’s Office.
