Mary Ellen McGillan to Step Down as Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts

After five transformative years at the helm of the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts (MVCA), Executive Director Mary Ellen McGillan announced her departure from the organization. Her tenure leaves behind a stronger, more vibrant institution — one that has grown in reach, partnerships, members and donors under her leadership.

Building a Foundation for the Future

When McGillan stepped into the role of Executive Director, the MVCA faced the challenges common to many community arts organizations in a post COVID environment: limited resources, a lean operational structure, and the ongoing work of cultivating a sustainable future. Over the next five years, she set about changing that picture.

Under her direction, the MVCA achieved greater financial stability, a milestone that has allowed the organization to plan with confidence and invest in its programming. The Board of Directors was revitalized, bringing new voices, expertise, and energy to the governance of the organization. Three part-time positions were created, deepening the MVCA's capacity to serve artists and the community alike. The organization's fundraising programs were significantly strengthened, establishing a more reliable foundation for the work ahead.

A New Home at 410 Canal Place

One of the most visible milestones of McGillan's leadership came in 2025, when the MVCA relocated to 410 Canal Place in Little Falls. The move was transformative — expanding the Gallery, creative workspace, and gift shop, giving artists and visitors a more dynamic and welcoming environment in which to experience the arts. The new space reflects both the growth of the organization and its deepening commitment to being a cultural anchor in the Mohawk Valley region.

The Alan and Linda Vincent Gallery

In September 2025, a special dedication ceremony marked another proud chapter in the MVCA's story. The Gallery was officially named the Alan and Linda Vincent Gallery, honoring the extraordinary long-term support the Vincent family has provided to the MVCA since its earliest days. The dedication was a fitting recognition of the partnership between

dedicated patrons and a community arts organization — a reminder that institutions like the MVCA are built not by any one person, but by generations of committed supporters.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

McGillan has been a tireless advocate for collaboration, helping the MVCA forge and deepen partnerships with a wide range of community organizations throughout the region. Working closely with the Board, she helped build relationships with:

• Herkimer County Community College

• The Renaissance Pub

• Herkimer County School District

• Rock Valley Brewery

• Herkimer County Council on Aging

• Overlook Ridge Development

• The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Countes

These partnerships have extended the MVCA's reach and embedded the organization more deeply in the fabric of daily life in the Mohawk Valley — connecting the arts to education, hospitality, business, and community care in ways that benefit residents of all ages and backgrounds.

A Gallery Reimagined

In collaboration with the Board of Directors and volunteers, McGillan also oversaw a meaningful expansion of the MVCA's gallery programming. New artists have had the opportunity to exhibit their works, introducing fresh perspectives and creative voices to the community. The Gallery has become a more dynamic, ever-changing destination — a place where visitors can always expect to discover something new.

Looking Ahead

As Mary Ellen McGillan closes this chapter of her career, the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts stands in a fundamentally stronger position than it did five years ago — financially,

organizationally, and in terms of its relationships with the community it serves. The MVCA thanks Mary Ellen McGillan for her dedication and many contributions.

Janet Wren, MVCA President is leading the search for the next Executive Director. See the position description below.

Executive Director job description