The Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, which owns and operates Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate as well as working to promote the life and legacy of Clay, has announced its appointment of Jim Clark as their new executive director. Clark previously served as president and CEO of LexArts from 2002-2014 and is credited with bringing the organization to “a whole new level of relevance and impact” during that time, said A. J. Singleton, the Foundation’s incoming board president, in a press release.
The foundation, which is governed by a board of mostly volunteer directors, is confident that Clark will do the same at Ashland.
“We are grateful and fortunate to have secured Jim Clark for this position,” said search committee chair David Fogg. “Ashland and the Foundation’s other activities will greatly benefit from his qualifications and knowledge of our community and region.”
Clark stated, “It is indeed an honor to assume leadership of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation. Clay’s legacy runs deep in Lexington, the Commonwealth, and the nation. I look forward to working with the staff and board to make Ashland a welcoming destination for people of all ages and interests.”
The Henry Clay Memorial Foundation was established in April of 1926 by Nanette McDowell Bullock as a private, non-profit organization, in order to preserve Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate and to promote the legacy of her great-grandfather, “The Great Compromiser.”
The jewel of the Foundation, Henry Clay’s 28-room house at Ashland, is available for tours from Tuesdays-Saturdays, and seasonally on Sundays, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Around 85% of the objects in the house originally belonged to the Clay family.
Clark’s position at the Foundation will be effective starting April 6th.