David T. Slatery to Serve as Acting Executive Director Effective January 1
Governing Council Unanimously Selects Deputy Executive Director to Steer Agency through Executive Director Search
This action follows the planned December 31 departure of Executive Director Michael J. Bobbitt. To maintain stability and continuity for the Agency, Slatery will step into the role of Acting Executive Director immediately upon Bobbitt’s exit.
“David’s deep knowledge of this Agency, his steady leadership, and his unwavering commitment to its mission make him the clear and confident choice to guide Mass Cultural Council at this moment,” said Mass Cultural Council Chair Marc Carroll. “My colleagues and I on the governing Council have absolute trust in his experience and judgment, and we are grateful that he is once again willing to step into this role to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”
“I am honored by the Council’s confidence and ready to ensure that the important work of Mass Cultural Council continues without interruption,” said Slatery. “I look forward to working closely with the Council, Senior Leadership Team, and staff to maintain progress throughout this transition.
This marks the second time Slatery, who has served as Deputy Executive Director for thirteen years, has been tapped to lead the Agency during a period of transition. He previously served as Acting Executive Director for seven months in 2020 following the retirement of former Executive Director Anita Walker.
Slatery will assume the duties of Acting Executive Director without additional compensation and will serve until the governing Council names a permanent successor. He will work closely with the governing Council and the Senior Leadership Team: Jen Lawless, Senior Director of Program Operations; Bethann Steiner, Senior Director of Public Affairs; and Cathy Cheng-Anderson, Chief Financial Officer, to oversee Agency operations and support the dedicated staff team.
“Our programs, initiatives, and commitments to the cultural sector remain firmly in place, and major operational and programming shifts are not anticipated,” Slatery added. “Mass Cultural Council’s talented staff is well placed to execute the important work outlined in our Council-approved FY26 Spending Plan.”
As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.
Mass Cultural Council is governed by a 19-member citizen board, whose members are appointed by the Governor to staggered three-year terms. Council Members represent regions across the Commonwealth and bring distinguished service and expertise in the arts, humanities, and sciences. The Governor also appoints the Council Chair and Vice-Chair. The Chair serves as the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, with the responsibility of appointing the Executive Director, subject to the consent of the Council.
The Executive Director leads the day-to-day operations with support from the Senior Leadership Team. While these roles provide essential leadership, the structure ensures that Mass Cultural Council’s mission, programs, and services continue seamlessly, even as individuals rotate on and off the Council or into new positions.
Chair Carroll announced at today’s meeting that he will form a Task Force, comprised of the Executive Committee and additional Council Members, to assist him with all aspects of the search for a new Executive Director. He and Vice-Chair Jo-Ann Davis will begin working immediately with the Senior Leadership Team to draft an RFP for an executive search firm, which will lead the process of identifying and hiring a permanent director.
Members of the governing Council voiced their staunch support for this interim leadership plan and the Agency’s staff team.
“Mass Cultural Council’s staff team is an extraordinary group of public servants whose expertise, creativity, and dedication fuel every success of this Agency,” said Mass Cultural Council Vice-Chair Davis. “Their commitment to the cultural sector is unmatched, and I am grateful for the professionalism and heart they bring to this work every day, especially during moments of transition.”
About David T. Slatery:
David T. Slatery has served as Mass Cultural Council’s Deputy Executive Director since 2012. As Deputy, Dave provides executive leadership and support and counsel to the Agency and Council Members. He also serves as Chief Legal Officer for the Agency.
A graduate of Allegheny College and University of Chicago Law School who spent his early career working in business law, Dave developed an appreciation for arts and culture administration while working on affordable housing projects for artists in 1994-2005 while he was General Counsel and Senior Executive Vice President of MassDevelopment, the state’s economic development authority.
Throughout his career, Dave has served in leadership roles in state agencies and on the boards of community arts organizations. He has also privately practiced finance and real estate law. Through those experiences he acquired a strong interest in supporting the creative economy and arts-based redevelopment. He has also worked at the law firms of Bingham, Dana & Gould and Brann & Isaacson, the Massachusetts Port Authority, and YouthBuild USA and has been associated with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, the Lewiston-Auburn (Maine) Arts Council, the Fort Point Cultural Coalition, and several other public service and trade organizations.
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