Grand Center Inc., a nonprofit organization creating the conditions for a thriving creative community in the Grand Center Arts District neighborhood and region, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Kelley as Board President. Kelley was unanimously elected and will lead a distinguished board with an executive committee of John Wuest, Treasurer, former President and CEO of the St. Louis Equity Fund; Lisa Melandri, Chair of the Governance Committee and Executive Director of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis; Peter Palermo, Executive Director of the Sheldon Concert Hall; Ken Kranzberg, President, Kranzberg Arts Foundation; John Wolf, Vice President, Fox Associates LLC (proprietor of the Fox Theatre); and Executive Director, Rich Simmons, as an ex officio member the Executive Committee.
“It is both humbling and a great honor to lead such a diverse Board of talented executives who share my passion and commitment in making the Grand Center Arts District a beautiful and safe place to live, work, and visit,” said Jeff Kelley, GCI Board President. “I am incredibly proud of this organization and the bright future we have ahead of us.”
Kelley has decades of experience in the IT industry, as he has served as the CEO of Chameleon Integrated Services for nearly 20 years. Kelley joined the Grand Center Inc. Board in May of 2015 and has a clear passion for the Grand Center Arts District, owning four businesses within the District including Fieldhouse Pub & Grill, The Barnett on Washington, The Bronson House, Kelley Acree Real Estate Holding Company, Chameleon Integrated Services, and serves as a landlord for the Urban Chestnut Beer Garden.
“This is a significant moment in the history of our organization. I’m deeply grateful to former President, Don Lents, for his vision, dedication, and passion which led to so many milestones,” said Rich Simmons, Executive Director of Grand Center Inc. “Equally, I am excited for what the future holds under Jeff’s leadership. Jeff brings an abundance of experience and strategic vision to our organization, which will be critical to our ability to grow and fulfill our mission.”
This month, Grand Center Inc. also announced the appointment of two new Board members to its Board of Directors. The latest Board members include Mike Martin, President & CEO, Mike Martin Media, and Tina Pamintuan, CEO, St. Louis Public Radio, KWMU.
“We have a tremendous Board of Directors mixed with members of the St. Louis community and individuals who have a deep passion for the District’s success, all of whom are an integral part of allowing us to achieve our mission,” said Simmons. “We are excited to channel each new board members expertise and energy into furthering our mission.”
The Grand Center Inc. Board regularly evaluates its composition to ensure it includes the appropriate skills, experience, and perspective necessary to drive growth for the organization and Grand Center Arts District.