Academy Center of the Arts Welcomes Cyrus Pace as Executive Director

The Academy Center of the Arts is pleased to announce Cyrus Pace as its next Executive Director. Cyrus will begin in his role on April 7.

Cyrus joins the Academy after 15 years as Executive Director of Jefferson Center in Roanoke, Virginia. During his tenure, he stabilized the organization and deepened its community connection through vibrant, diverse and mission-driven performing arts programming and education. He has extensive experience in fundraising and donor relations, community partnerships, arts programming, capital planning, and restoration of historic facilities, as well as building organizational cultures grounded in transparency and trust. 

A vocal advocate for the arts, Cyrus is actively engaged with arts leaders at the local, state, and national levels. Cyrus is also an educator. As an Assistant Professor of Music and Arts Leadership at Virginia Tech, he teaches graduate courses in Financial Management in the Arts Sector and Nonprofit Board Governance and Leadership, as well as undergraduate Jazz Improvisation.

“Cyrus has a rare combination of artistic vision, fundraising and financial expertise, and a deep commitment to community,” said Jim Wright, M.D., Chair of the Academy’s Board of Directors. “His experience leading a complex, historic arts organization makes him an ideal leader for the Academy’s next chapter.”

Earlier in his career, Cyrus served as Coordinator of Fine Arts for Roanoke City Public Schools. In that role, he secured a VH1 Save The Music grant that placed $450,000 worth of musical instruments into 18 elementary schools, significantly expanding access to music education across the city.

An accomplished musician, Cyrus has performed with numerous nationally recognized artists and has self-produced three recordings. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Roanoke College and a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.