Search
Close this search box.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation announces a new CEO as Marcia Hull retires

At a special press conference at The Henderson on Thursday morning, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation announced that Demetrius Fuller has been named as CEO. Fuller will replace Marcia Hull, […]

Marcia Hull (left) pictured with Demetrius Fuller (right)
DESTIN: At a special press conference, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation announced that Demetrius Fuller has been named as the new CEO! Here’s the moment it was announced along with out interview with Fuller directly after.

At a special press conference at The Henderson on Thursday morning, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation announced that Demetrius Fuller has been named as CEO.

Fuller will replace Marcia Hull, who has served as MKAF CEO for the past 22 years. After years of devoted service, Hull is retiring on December 31, 2020. 

“We are thrilled to have Demetrius lead the Foundation,” said Kevin Bowyer, Chairman of the Board, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. “His local ties to the community and with other arts and culture organizations in the area as well as around the country made this decision very easy for the board. We did conduct a nationwide search for a new CEO and received over 25 applicants. Little did we know that our new leader was sitting in our own backyard.”

Fuller, who founded Sinfonia Gulf Coast in 2005, will continue to serve as the Music & Artistic Director and will lead an arts and culture partnership between the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and Sinfonia Gulf Coast. While both organizations will remain intact and separately governed, the new endeavor is the vision of both the MKAF and Sinfonia boards of directors.

“I am honored to join this incredible team of staff and board members who comprise the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation,” said Demetrius Fuller, CEO, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and Music & Artistic Director, Sinfonia Gulf Coast. “It will be a great honor to work in tandem toward continuing to realize Mattie Kelly’s vision of an all-encompassing arts hub in Destin. Thank you for trusting me to assist with this mission. I look forward to great things in 2021 and beyond.”

Capital campaign endeavors have already started and are being led by Atlanta-based Tomlinson-Graham Group. The name of the parent organization, of which Fuller will ultimately be Chief Executive & Artistic Officer, along with the vision and plans for the transformation of the MKAF property in Destin into a cultural and educational hub, will be announced in early 2021. 

“When a partnership opportunity arises – a partnership that brings two like-minded organizations together which allows for special synergies in our community – you jump in with both feet,” said Jeff Dannelly, Board President, Sinfonia Gulf Coast. “This is exactly what we have with SGC and MKAF. This newly aligned partnership not only allows for a powerful force to keep bringing all genres of art and cultural events to our community, but it also provides the right forum to elevate the level of service both organizations currently provide within our community and our schools.”

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Although I never had the honor of knowing this young man, I see the beauty in his smile and his joy is evident. My heartfelt condolences to his family and...”
Respond
“Many will disagree but I think this is over reach by Eglin. I see the comments that if it is opened to the public it would get trashed; I agree....”
Respond
“I work from home as an influencer. I have a YouTube channel where I teach how to make balloon animals. If my internet doesn’t stay up I have to do...”
Respond
“I live on North Lloyd where they want to put the 94 unit complex. I understand that it's a great thing for a military housing. I want to know how...”
Respond
“I’m still experiencing intermittent outages, but the bright side is I’m not exceeding my data caps! #ThanksCoz”
Respond
“What will happen to the residents who presently live here? Is there a plan to rehome them while this is being built? Will they be grandfathered in once they are...”
Respond
“The original concept of the festival is lost. It was lost when it became charging admissions. I miss the original but not the new version. It is dead so let...”
Respond
“Going on 2 days without service, forcing me to take PTO. Making the switch to Live Oak Fiber next week”
Respond
“"Providing fingerprints on-sight," means fingerprints will be taken at the time of enrollment, or we bring a copy of our previously certified fingerprints? Thank you in advance for response.”
Respond