AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Cultural Trust—a nonprofit organization that since 1995 has promoted the importance of the arts in educating our children and sustaining our vibrant Texas economy—today announces that Jennifer Ransom Rice has been selected as the new executive director, effective July 15. She assumes this role following Amy Barbee, who stepped down after nine of the most fruitful and visible years in the Trust's 18 year history. Most recently, Rice served as development director of the Trust, following 12-years experience at the State Capitol.

As executive director of the Texas Cultural Trust, Rice will continue to work to advocate for the arts in Texas, focusing on economic development and arts education, and bringing awareness of the arts to policy makers and elected officials.  She will continue her involvement with the well-known biennial Texas Medal of Arts Awards, as well as the other diverse programs of the Trust.

“Jennifer has been an invaluable resource to the Trust since joining the organization almost four years ago,” said Karen Oswalt, Chair of the Texas Cultural Trust Board of Directors.  “Her leadership and commitment to the Trust has raised the standard in stakeholder cultivation in the organization and we are thrilled to have her take the helm with this new challenge.”

Rice brings to the role decades of leadership in both her professional career and in her community involvement.  Having served as chief of staff to State Senator Florence Shapiro and communications director for the State Comptroller, Rice brings a network of contacts and legislative knowledge that serves the Trust’s mission well.  Further, she has taken the lead in many volunteer positions for numerous community organizations and efforts, particularly the arts, through her involvement with Art Alliance Austin, Texas Performing Arts, Zach Theatre, and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.

“The arts have always been a part of my life, from participant to spectator to patron,” Rice said.  “I am passionate about the work of the Texas Cultural Trust, and excited to become even more involved in the impact that this organization is making on our state.  We have an amazing team and board of directors in place that will no doubt continue the upward trajectory that Amy set us upon.  I look forward to helping lead the way.”

As development director of the Trust, Rice was responsible for breaking fundraising records in both 2011 and 2013 with the organization’s signature event, the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, raising more than $1.5 million earlier this spring.  She also doubled the membership of the organization’s giving circle, Texas Women for the Arts, leading the group across the million dollar mark in grants awarded this year.  And, when faced with state cuts to the Texas Commission on the Arts which would negatively impact the agency’s joint program with the Trust – the Texas Young Masters Program – Rice spearheaded fundraising efforts to underwrite the program to the tune of $100,000 in just four short months, providing grants to 15 deserving Texas youngsters to further their studies in the arts.

Rice earned her BA in mass communications from Midwestern State University and an MA in journalism from The University of Texas.  She currently holds a leadership position with the Junior League of Austin, and serves on the advisory council of The University of Texas at Austin College of Fine Arts.  She also serves on the board of directors for the Women’s Symphony League of Austin and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board, is a member of the Director’s Council for Texas Performing Arts, and serves as the public affairs chair for the Texas Exes.  She is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Austin.

About the Texas Cultural Trust

Established in 1995, the Texas Cultural Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the importance of the arts in educating our children and sustaining our vibrant Texas economy. It supports the programs of the Texas Commission on the Arts and other qualifying state agencies. Programs of the Trust include the biennial Texas Medal of Arts Awards, the Young Masters Program, Create Texas, Adventures in the ARTS-a children's book, Texas Women for the Arts and Founders for the Arts.

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