Cathy Predmore takes over Wexner Center

The Ohio State University has named Cathy Predmore executive director of the Wexner Center for the Arts, a role that takes effect on Nov. 1. Predmore, who has served as interim director while managing marketing and communications duties, brings more than 30 years of executive experience to the position.

Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Trevor Brown praised Predmore's performance during her interim tenure. Brown stated that she provided clear guidance and established the center's strategic direction. He noted that her leadership helped maintain the Wexner Center's reputation as a global destination for contemporary art.

Predmore's professional background includes a role as senior vice president at Fahlgren Mortine, a national communications agency. In that capacity, she led strategic planning and marketing programs for museums, science institutions, and universities. Her work focused on building brands, increasing membership, boosting attendance, and exceeding revenue goals.

The university highlighted Predmore's expertise in financial stewardship and fundraising. She has designed high-impact strategies for major national and international nonprofits. Her experience also includes large-scale economic development projects in Ohio and other states, which the university says informed her understanding of the link between higher education and community partners.

Predmore has received numerous national awards for her work in communications and fundraising. These include the PRWeek Award, MarCom Awards, and Best Brand Awards. She has also served on the boards of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center and CATCO, now known as The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio.

The Wexner Center operates as a multidisciplinary laboratory for contemporary art. It hosts exhibitions, performances, screenings, and artist residencies. The center serves both established and emerging artists from around the world, providing a forum for testing ideas and engaging audiences in cultural experiences.

Predmore described the role as an honor, citing the center's position within Ohio State and the Columbus arts community. She expressed excitement about building on recent momentum, which she described as a period of maintaining programming and strengthening the financial foundation.