Artisans Center of Virginia announces new executive director

The Artisans Center of Virginia has named Colleen M. Mayson as the organization’s new executive director, effective on September 12, 2018, succeeding Sherri Smith, who led the organization for nine years until her resignation in April.

“This is an exciting time for both the ACV and Mrs. Mayson,” said Jim Dye, president of the Artisans Center of Virginia. “Membership engagement and the Artisan Trail Network have grown exponentially over the past five years, and we are poised to continue that success under Mrs. Mayson’s leadership. We look forward to supporting her, building on relationships within our communities, and providing more in depth entrepreneurial opportunities for Virginia’s artisans. I trust that our world will become a better place with what we will accomplish in the future.”

“I am honored to be joining the team to sustain and vitalize The Artisans Center of Virginia’s mission and vision for the future. Having lived in many regions across our country, I strongly believe Virginia has an uncommon abundance of home grown artistry. It is my goal to bolster each Artisan Trail across the Commonwealth by fortifying awareness, fostering economic growth, increasing tourism, and invigorating the workforce,” Mayson said. “Being that I was a small business owner, I am especially excited about the entrepreneurial support ACV provides. I will be focusing on streamlining and expanding those services and tools.”