Jess joins GCCA with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit arts administration. She has a proven track record of start-up to growth-phase organizational leadership and development. From formulating strategic fundraising plans to preparing annual budgets and implementing sound strategies, her background has consistently been characterized by a steadfast dedication to managing fiscal responsibility and achieving organizational growth objectives. 

Jess comes to Greenville after nearly a decade as the Executive Director of Dogtown Dance Theatre in Richmond, Virginia. She successfully created and managed new programs and fundraising strategies that resulted in increased revenue by 144% during her tenure and those programs reflect the cultural diversity alive in art today. In a panel review by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, jurors commented that “Jess Burgess is a strong and active advocate for the arts at every level.” She has dedicated her career to diligently diversifying income streams and building lasting relationships to secure financial stability for arts organizations that will ensure all programming emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Art should be a fundamental right, not a privilege. 

Jess currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors for James Madison University’s (JMU) College of Visual and Performing Arts and most recently served as the Treasurer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Virginia Chapter Board of Directors. She received Bachelor of Arts degrees (Magna Cum Laude) in both Dance and Communications from JMU and a Professional Certificate in Fund Development from the University of Richmond. She is thrilled to call Greenville, South Carolina her new home and make a lasting impact on the lives of artists and those who love art while helping GCCA excel for years to come. 

Ben graduated from Allegheny College with a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in Painting and a minor in History, While at Allegheny College, he worked as a Gallery Assistant/Attendant for the college’s Bowman-Penelac-Megahan art gallery where he assisted exhibiting artists and the Director & Curator with installations of exhibits and other art-related events. Ben is also a practicing artist in the Greenville area, working mainly in large acrylic paintings and installations. He is excited to become a contributing member of the art community.

Alicia was born and raised in Arlington, Texas right in the middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. She graduated with a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from the University of North Texas in Denton. Until moving here, she worked as a Facilities Administrator in the Financial Services Industry in Plano, Texas where she also received her certification in Office Ergonomics. She is a practicing artist out of her home studio working mostly on illustration, acrylic painting, and metalsmithing. Alicia now lives in Greer with her husband and their two cats. She is excited to have new adventures in South Carolina, and be working with artists in the Greenville area.

Javy joins GCCA with nearly a decade of non-profit arts administration experience. Starting his non-profit career in fundraising and development, Javy has been able to build off of his community relationships and partnerships to craft impactful programs across the mediums of visual arts, performing arts, STEAM education, health and wellness education, and community activism. As a professional performance artist, Javy has worked on the creation and production of theatre for young audiences both in the Upstate of South Carolina and in Los Angeles, California. With a degree in Communications and Public Relations, Javy has a passion for creating meaningful community connections and fostering opportunities for community members and artists, alike, to live more enriching, inspirational, imaginative lives in Greenville!