The DC Commission on the Arts
and Humanities (DCCAH) is pleased to welcome longtime arts and
non-profit advocate Kay Kendall as its new chair.
Kendall brings more than four decades of arts, education and
community outreach experience and leadership to this vital post. She
was a 25-year board member of the Washington Ballet, including eight
years as its chair, and is currently on the boards of CityDance and
THEARC. As the founder of Kendall+Associates in 2008, she is a
consultant on fundraising and non-profit board governance, helping
community groups build leadership and organizational structure. Since
coming to Washington in 1977, Kendall has also been involved with the
Maret School, the Kingsbury Center, Ashoka International and Children's
Hospital.
She recently co-chaired the Transition Team on Arts and the
Creative Economy for Mayor Muriel Bowser, who said: "Kay Kendall brings
an enormous amount of knowledge with her as an arts leader. As a
longtime resident of the District of Columbia, she understands the
importance of celebrating arts not just in the downtown core but
throughout our vibrant neighborhoods."
"I am extremely honored to accept the position of chair of
the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities," Kendall said. "The arts
and humanities make our city great, and the support of the Commission is
invaluable in achieving that success. I am proud to be able to do my
part to ensure the arts and humanities continue to thrive in the
District of Columbia."
Septime Webre, artistic director of the Washington Ballet,
praised Kendall's "indefatigable and spirited efforts to secure funds
for important artistic initiatives and organizations, and in particular,
her championing of access to arts education for young people in the
District."
A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., Kendall earned a BA in
English from Hollins College (now Hollins University) and worked as a
teacher, librarian and social worker before coming to Washington.
The Chair and Commissioners of the DC Commission on the Arts
and Humanities are volunteers who are appointed by the Mayor and
approved by the Council of the District of Columbia. They represent the
various wards throughout the city. Kendall was confirmed on March 17,
2015 by the City Council and sworn in by Mayor Bowser on March 20,
2015.