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- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Cathy Predmore Takes Helm at Wexner Center for the Arts
The Ohio State University has announced the appointment of Cathy (Cat) Predmore as executive director of the Wexner Center for the Arts, effective November 1. Predmore assumes this role following her tenure as interim director, during which she also led marketing and communications for the center.
Proven Expertise in Arts Leadership and Strategic Planning
Predmore brings over three decades of executive experience to the Wexner Center. Her background encompasses strategic planning, operational management, and financial stewardship. She is recognized for designing impactful fundraising strategies and fostering effective community engagement for major national and international nonprofits.
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Trevor Brown praised Predmore’s interim leadership, noting her ability to provide clear, steady guidance, establish the center’s strategic direction, and encourage creative autonomy among staff. "Her leadership has empowered staff members to advance the center’s core mission and maintained the Wexner Center’s standing as an international destination for contemporary art," Brown said.
Committed to Community Engagement and Artistic Excellence
Predmore is dedicated to empowering the center’s group of curatorial professionals and ensuring a stable financial foundation for the organization. She described her new position as "a profound honor," emphasizing her enthusiasm for advancing contemporary art alongside a passionate and talented team.
Looking forward, Predmore aims to build on the center’s momentum of the past year, in which the Wexner Center sustained its innovative cultural programming, strengthened its foundation, and reinforced its commitment to its core mission as a hub for both local and global contemporary artists.
Distinguished Career in Communications and the Arts
Prior to her work at the Wexner Center, Predmore served as senior vice president at Fahlgren Mortine, a national communications agency. There, she developed strategic planning and integrated marketing initiatives for museums, arts and science institutions, and universities throughout the United States. Her efforts consistently led to stronger brands, increased membership, higher attendance, and surpassed revenue targets.
Predmore’s work in large-scale economic development, particularly in Ohio, highlights her understanding of the relationships between higher education, community partners, and the arts. She has received national recognitions, including awards for charitable giving campaigns and corporate partnerships, as well as multiple PR and marketing honors such as the PRism Awards, MarCom Awards, Communicator Awards, the PRWeek Award, and Best Brand Awards. Her board service includes the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center and CATCO (now The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio).
The Role of the Wexner Center for the Arts
The Wexner Center serves as a multidisciplinary platform for the exploration and presentation of contemporary art. As an important entity within Ohio State University and the broader arts community, it provides a forum for established and emerging artists worldwide. Through art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, artist residencies, and educational initiatives, the center offers cultural experiences that deepen public understanding of contemporary art.
The Wexner Center’s mission focuses on supporting innovative artistic work, promoting community engagement, and enriching civic discourse through its wide-ranging programming and outreach efforts.
Looking Ahead
With Cathy Predmore’s appointment as executive director, the Wexner Center for the Arts is poised for continued success in its mission to inspire curiosity, advance contemporary art, and connect with diverse audiences through dynamic art and cultural programming.
Source: news.osu.edu.
