South Florida Arts Organization Names New CEO

Arts organization ArtServe has selected Chicago native Jaye Abbate as its new president and CEO. Abbate joins the group following as former President Earl Bosworth goes on to become director of the Broward County Cultural Division.

Abbate, who spent the last seven years as the marketing manager for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, has a professional background that includes arts marketing, media planning, even planning and business management. She is also an author with nearly 20 years of experience in the publishing arena and a community activist, having served on the board of numerous non-profit and civic organizations, including the board of ArtServe.

"Broward County's rich and diverse arts community is a genuine treasure of the region, central to both the area's economic vitality and quality of life," Abbate said in a statement. "I've watched ArtServe mature over the years, proud that it has played a key role in nurturing the growth of the county's cultural landscape."

Michael O'Rourke called Abbate's hiring "exciting," noting her solid track record in a substantial and impressive pool of candidates.

"Jaye brings a high level of professionalism and commitment to the arts," O'Rourke said in a stament. "She has the experience to strengthen and further develop our network of arts advocates, and to expand our role as the area's premier arts service organization."

Among Abbate's top priorities will be overseeing facility upgrades, developing a plan for expanding the groundbreaking RedEye art happening into a two-day event, and launching the new ArtServes Brunch on the Beach project this summer.

"This is only the start," Abbate said. "There is so much exciting potential for the organization, and I am excited to play a role in the next chapter."