The Academy Is Strong. Our Future Is Bright.
After 10 years of visionary leadership, Geoffrey Kershner will step down as CEO of the Academy Center of the Arts on December 31, 2025. We thank Geoff for his extraordinary contributions of unprecedented growth and transformation, establishing the Academy as a vital cultural anchor for Central Virginia. We look forward to celebrating Geoff’s contributions throughout the remainder of 2025, and his legacy will continue to inspire the work ahead.
10-Year Milestones
Under Geoff Kershner’s leadership, the Academy has:
- Increased its impact more than 400%.
- Completed the $30 million restoration and reopening of the Historic Theatre.
- Launched bold new initiatives like the mobile Academy in Motion, expanding access to the arts across our region.
- Opened our newest downtown venue in 2024, The Music Hall.
Seeking the Academy’s Next CEO
The Academy’s Board of Trustees named a Search Committee to lead an inclusive, strategic process to identify, evaluate and recommend the most qualified candidate. This group is conducting a thoughtful succession process to ensure a strong and stable path forward, including working with the professional search firm ThinkingAhead, providing the Academy access to the best possible candidates.
We thank the community for supporting the Academy as we enter this important new chapter.
Would You Like to Join Us in Shaping the Future?
The Academy seeks a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as our next Chief Executive Officer. This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to build on our already strong foundation and shape the future of a thriving cultural institution and champion the arts in our community and beyond.