OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 20, 2025) — The Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain (OAI) Board of Directors has appointed Shannon Gilbert to serve as the next President & CEO of the Oklahoma Arts Institute, effective June 1, 2025.
A mission-driven nonprofit leader and passionate arts advocate, Gilbert brings 15 years of experience in arts education, fundraising, and strategic communications to one of Oklahoma’s most esteemed cultural institutions. As President & CEO, she will lead OAI into its next era of growth and impact, building on its nearly 50-year legacy of delivering exceptional arts education to students and educators across the state.
“Ms. Gilbert offers a bold and inspiring vision to affirm OAI as Oklahoma’s Official School of the Arts,” said Jose Luis Hernandez, Chair of the OAI Board of Directors. “This new chapter includes amplifying the organization's outreach and working on cross-sector partnerships to position OAI as a statewide model of excellence and accessibility in arts education. The board is delighted to appoint a new leader that will bring passion, stability, and vision to our treasured organization.”
Gilbert most recently led strategic donor communications and helped drive major philanthropic campaigns at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., during a period of historic institutional growth. Her work supported landmark initiatives such as the Kennedy Center’s REACH expansion, its 50th Anniversary celebration, and nationally acclaimed programs including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Earlier in her career, Gilbert led youth arts programming at PBS Wisconsin, where she earned a Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award for her work spotlighting young performers and their mentors and an additional Emmy nomination. Her broad experience reflects a deep commitment to making the arts accessible and impactful across generations and communities.
“It’s an incredible honor to step into this role at such a meaningful moment in OAI’s history,” said Shannon Gilbert, incoming President & CEO of the Oklahoma Arts Institute. “OAI is not only a local cultural treasure, but a program distinct on a national scale—shaped by visionary leadership and sustained by decades of strong partnerships and shared purpose. With a historic connection to beautiful Quartz Mountain, OAI’s programs are part of the very landscape of Oklahoma—reflecting the spirit, talent, and possibility of all who take part. I’m inspired to carry this work forward and deeply grateful to the Board of Directors, staff, public partners, donors, alumni, teaching artists, and the entire OAI community whose passion and dedication have built a legacy that continues to shape our creative future.”
A classically trained pianist, violinist, soprano, and dancer, Gilbert holds a degree in Music Education from Bucknell University. Originally from Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, she now resides in Oklahoma City with her husband and daughter.