James McKissic

James McKissic is the President of ArtsBuild with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a Master of Public Administration from New York University, and an executive certificate from Harvard University.

James is passionate about community empowerment through arts and culture and recently completed the National Arts Strategies program at the University of Pennsylvania.

His previous roles include VP and Chief Operating Officer at Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, Director at the City of Chattanooga, AmeriCorps Member, Consultant in New York, Director of Youth Development, and various leadership positions in public service and education.

He has a diverse educational background, including studies in arts and cultural strategies, nonprofit management, education, and general transfer studies.