COLUMBUS, Ohio —The Board of Directors of CreativeOhio announces that Angela Meleca will step down as Executive Director as of August 31 to launch a new creative advisory firm. 

Under Meleca’s leadership, the organization strategically expanded its mission and scope of advocacy, rebranded, and successfully secured $160 million in both ongoing state investment and a one-time federal business relief grant for Ohio’s creative sector.

CreativeOhio will be one of Meleca’s first clients.

See CreativeOhio’s wins under Angela Meleca’s leadership below.

“We are fortunate to have had Angela’s vision and entrepreneurial leadership of the organization these last four years, especially given the unique circumstances and special demands associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Board President Elizabeth Brown-Ellis. “She has effectively established CreativeOhio as the voice of advocacy for Ohio’s creative sector, and because of her work we are in a strong place to continue our mission” stated Brown-Ellis, “We are looking forward to our continued relationship withAngela as she leads the CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards this fall.” 

“I am grateful for the board’s support during my tenure as Executive Director,” says Meleca.“Our collaboration has led to significant progress, including transforming Ohio Citizens for the Arts into CreativeOhio, greatly benefiting non-profit art organizations statewide. The board’s openness to innovative ideas and approaches was crucial to our success, and I appreciate their trust and partnership,” said Meleca.

With Meleca’s dedicated stewardship, CreativeOhio successfully repositioned Ohio’s creative sector as an essential business segment; ensured CreativeOhio is a go-to statewide advocacy resource; led the development of  a multi-year strategic plan for public policy and organizational growth; rebranded the organization to reflect its work and membership; and recruited a more diverse and representative board.

CreativeOhio will continue to fulfill its mission to enrich communities, citizens, and culture through constant advocacy and relentless support of Ohio creatives and the creative economy through its Board of Directors and long term consulting partners. Meanwhile, it has commenced a comprehensive search for the organization’s next Executive Director, which they hope to have filled in October of this year.

Some of the successes during Angela Meleca’s leadership of CreativeOhio.

About CreativeOhio

CreativeOhio is a membership-based organization that works together to advance investment in creatives and creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship throughout Ohio. CreativeOhio is the only statewide advocacy organization for creatives, both non- and for-profit. CreativeOhio’s mission is to enrich our communities, citizens, and culture through constant advocacy and relentless support of Ohio creatives and the creative economy.

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