KCYA welcomes Dr. Janice Crews as new Executive Director
After a national search, KCYA enters its 65th year with a proven leader dedicated to students, organizational excellence, and arts education.
July 31, 2026
Kansas City Young Audiences (KCYA) is pleased to announce the appointment of our future executive director, Janice Crews, D.M.A. Her appointment begins Aug. 24.
Dr. Crews joins KCYA with more than 15 years of executive leadership experience spanning arts education, nonprofit management, higher education, community engagement, fundraising, and youth-centered programming. Throughout her career, she has built and led mission-driven organizations that connect young people, families, educators, artists, and communities through transformative arts experiences.
Most recently, Dr. Crews served as vice president of arts education and community engagement at The Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina, where she led regional initiatives designed to expand access to arts learning opportunities for students, educators, and community members. Prior to that, she served as executive director of the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University, overseeing a multidisciplinary performing arts center with responsibility for programming, fundraising, strategic partnerships, operations, and community engagement.
Dr. Crews' career also includes leadership roles with Austin Peay State University, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/Woodruff Arts Center. She is known for developing innovative educational programs, strengthening community partnerships, expanding philanthropic support, and increasing organizational visibility and impact.
“Dr. Crews’ dedication to students and the arts aligns with our mission to engage youth, promote creativity, and inspire success in education. The Board of KCYA is excited to enter the organization’s 65th year with Dr. Crews at the helm. We are looking forward to starting a new chapter with our arts partners and school districts throughout the Kansas City region as we work together to deliver access to high-quality arts education," said Dan Earnest, Board Chair
As executive director, Dr. Crews will lead KCYA's strategic vision, operations, fundraising efforts, community partnerships, and educational programming. Her extensive experience working with schools, families, artists, donors, and community stakeholders positions her to further advance KCYA's commitment to empowering youth through the arts.
“I have long believed in the power of arts education, so it is a true honor to serve as the next executive director of Kansas City Young Audiences. KCYA’s commitment to bringing high-quality arts experiences to young people aligns deeply with my own values and passion for this work. With such a dedicated staff, engaged board, talented teaching artists, and committed community partners, I am confident that together we will build on KCYA’s legacy, expand its impact, and deepen its service to young people and communities throughout the region,” said Dr. Crews.
Dr. Crews holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in oboe performance from Louisiana State University, a Master of Music from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Music in music education from the University of Georgia. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to arts education, community engagement, and creating pathways for young people to flourish through creative expression.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Crews as the next executive director of Kansas City Young Audiences.
ABOUT KANSAS CITY YOUNG AUDIENCES
Founded in 1961, Kansas City Young Audiences (KCYA) is a 501c3 non-profit with a mission to engage all youth in the arts, promote creativity, and inspire success in education. For 65 years KCYA has worked with schools, educators, districts, and families to remove barriers to the arts for youth and encourage learning through the arts. KCYA is an affiliate of Young Audiences Arts for Learning. Find out more about KCYA’s camps, classes, and in-school arts programing at kcya.org.
