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Dear BCA Community,
I am writing to share an important leadership transition at BCA and, most importantly, to recognize a remarkable chapter of service to BCA and the Bronx.
After nearly three decades of dedicated service on BCA’s Board of Directors, Charles Rice-González is stepping down as Chair. Since joining the Board in 1998, Charles has been a steadfast advocate for Bronx artists, cultural workers, and arts organizations, and a deeply committed champion of BCA’s mission.
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 | | Charles recently reflected on his time with BCA, saying, "It has been an extraordinary honor to serve on the Bronx Council on the Arts Board of Directors since 1998. During that time, I've witnessed the organization's remarkable evolution under four executive directors, from the visionary leadership of Bill Aguado to Viviana Bianchi, who left BCA in the strongest financial position in its history. What has kept me committed for nearly three decades is the profound impact of BCA's advocacy and support for artists and arts organizations, along with the dedication of exceptional staff members and working alongside stellar board members who made that work possible. I carry many experiences and relationships with me, and I look forward to supporting Executive Director Jesús López-Jensen as he leads BCA into its next chapter, while continuing to offer my support to the Board to ensure the organization thrives for generations to come. I love the Bronx and I love BCA. Thank you for the privilege to serve."
On behalf of BCA’s staff, Board, and the many artists and cultural organizations who have benefited from his leadership, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Charles. While he is stepping down as Chair, we are grateful that he will continue to support BCA and its Board as we move forward.
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As we honor Charles’s extraordinary tenure, I am also pleased to announce that BCA's Board Vice-President Eileen Newman will step into the role of Board Chair.
Eileen brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, strategic planning, board development, and community building. As President of Eileen Newman Consulting and the former founder and Executive Director of the Center for Bronx Nonprofits, she has dedicated her career to strengthening the organizations and leaders that make our communities stronger.
Her deep roots in the Bronx, extensive experience across the arts and nonprofit sectors, and commitment to organizational development make her an exceptional addition to BCA’s leadership at this moment.
Eileen shared her excitement about taking on the role, saying, “I am proud and excited to become the Board Chair of BCA. Jesús López-Jensen and the staff of BCA have been doing an excellent job of working to provide multiple opportunities for Bronx artists to expand the impact of their work and I look forward to supporting them. I am sending thanks to Charles Rice-González who served as the Chair of BCA for many years, guiding the Board through changes and transitions. I look forward to the next phase of BCA and to being part of the meaningful community-building teamwork ahead. I hope to see many of you at the events being planned for the future.”
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I am excited to work alongside Eileen, our Board, and our staff as we enter this next chapter. BCA has an important responsibility to the Bronx: to listen to our artists and cultural organizations, to advocate for the resources they need, and to ensure that the borough’s extraordinary creative community has the opportunity to thrive. This transition is an opportunity to honor the foundation that has been built while continuing to look ahead. We remain committed to strengthening BCA, expanding our impact, and responding to the evolving needs of the Bronx’s arts and cultural community.
I invite you to join us in thanking Charles for his extraordinary service and welcoming Eileen into this new role. Their leadership represents both the depth of BCA’s history and the promise of its future.
With gratitude,
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Jesús López-Jensen
Executive Director
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Image 1: (From left to right) BCA Outgoing Board Chair Charles Rice-González, Executive Director Jesús López-Jensen, and Incoming Board Chair Eileen Newman. Image credit: Marisol Díaz-Gordon
Image 2: Charles Rice-González at BAAD! Homecoming. Image credit: Marisol Díaz-Gordon
Image 3: Eileen Newman
| | The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts; the Coalition of Theaters of Color; and NYS Assemblymember Michael Benedetto. Also supported in part by the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Scherman Foundation, the Altman Foundation, The Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The New York Community Trust, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, the Tiger Baron Foundation, Amazon, BronxCare Health System, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, TD Bank, and Webster Bank. | | BCA is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. | | | | |
