Johnson goes from arts center to foundation; Mast goes to Leadership Holmes County

Kevin Lynch

A couple of leadership roles in the Holmes County nonprofit realm are getting new faces.

Holley Johnson, executive director of the Holmes Center for the Arts, will become the executive director of the Holmes County Education & Community Foundation.

The current foundation director, Shasta Mast, has taken the position as director of Leadership Holmes County with the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. Mast has been with the foundation since mid-2021.

At the HCA, Johnson played a pivotal role in the organization’s growth and success, including the recent grand opening of the black box theater, Center Stage.

"I have loved my job at the arts center," Johnson said. "It has been such a joy in my life to see the center grow and flourish in our community. I believe God puts you in places for a reason and I’m so glad I got to be a part of this beautiful place." 

Johnson said she has been looking for ways to share the knowledge and skills she eveloped at HCA with other organizations, and the Education and Community Foundation is a perfect fit.

"This position at HCECF is going to allow me to work to make it easier for nonprofits and organizations in Holmes County to achieve their missions and improve the quality of life of people here," she said. "I’m thrilled that God has opened doors and is continuing to open doors to help me to do this work."

Johnson's leadership in the arts and community-based initiatives will bring "a fresh perspective and energy to our work," said John Waltman, HCECF board president. "We are confident that Holley will continue the foundation’s mission in supporting scholarships and community development throughout Holmes County.”

Holmes Center for the Arts, in 10th year, is at a good place

The HCA is a decade old, offering classes and performances in music, art, theater and dance, serving over 600 students per year. With its capital campaign finished and various potential avenues for growth, the center is in a favorable position to introduce new leadership, according to Johnson.

“I feel so blessed to have been able to help establish Holmes Center for the Arts and bring it to where it is today as a leading center for arts education and performance opportunities in this region," Johnson said. "It will be a joy to watch others take Holmes Center for the Arts to new heights as they expand programming, utilize the new spaces to their full capacity and use their own gifts and abilities to serve Holmes County through the arts."