Leadership

Jim graduated with a master’s degree in Public Policy from New York University, and a BS in Urban Studies from the University of Southern California. He has more than thirty years’ experience in nonprofit management, having been the Executive Director of the Public Art Fund in New York City, the President & CEO of CultureWorks in Dayton, Ohio, and at LexArts here in Lexington, Kentucky. In 2014, he was honored with the Michael Newton Award from Americans for the Arts for innovation in forging arts and business partnerships, and Outstanding Individual of the Year from the Downtown Lexington Corporation. Under his leadership, the Foundation received the Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence (2020) from the Kentucky Historical Society. Jim serves on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance and was appointed by LFUCG Mayor Jim Gray to the Public Art Commission.

Eric has a BA in Anthropology from Miami University and an MA in Museum Science from Texas Tech University. He has worked for the National Park Service as a Ranger on the National Mall and as a Curatorial Technician at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. He was Curator and Assistant Director at Liberty Hall Historic Site and has been Curator and Site Manager at Ashland since 2002. Eric is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, American Association for State and Local History, Southeastern Museums Conference, and the Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance. He was President of the Board of Directors of the Historical Confederation of Kentucky and later the Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance.

Candace is a native Kentuckian and holds degrees in music performance, education, and school administration from Eastern Kentucky University. Throughout her thirty-year education career she served as a teacher, principal,  and district level administrator in both the public and private school setting. Candace has served as a panelist and presenter for the KY  Arts Council, a member of the KY Leadership Academy, KY Associations for School Councils, KY Association of School Administrator, KY Board for Gifted Education, and Frankfort Arts Council. She is currently President of the Central KY Youth Orchestra Board of Directors, and member of the KY Music Educator Association, and the KY Museum & Heritage Alliance. 

Kait was born and raised in Lexington, before moving around the country and ultimately returning to her old Kentucky home in 2022. A graduate of Hunter College in New York City, where she was a Roosevelt Scholar, Kait brings over a decade of experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, and civic engagement.

With a passion for American history and community impact, Kait has successfully led numerous initiatives that have expanded public outreach, secured critical funding, and driven organizational growth. Her expertise spans across strategic development, public relations, and leadership, with a strong track record of building meaningful partnerships and advancing mission-driven programs.

Kait has always had a deep affection for Ashland and is thrilled to contribute to the foundation’s growth and continued success, applying her experience and enthusiasm to ensure its continued impact for generations to come.

Gwen is a native Lexingtonian, although she’s lived elsewhere most of her adult life.  A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Gwen worked at executive level positions in the Home Furnishings industry throughout her career. She introduced Trowbridge Gallery, an antique and contemporary art resource out of London, England to the US Market.  As Managing Director, she oversaw their growth in the US for 24 years.  She then founded a ‘to the trade’ fabric and decorative accessories showroom in Charlotte, NC. She left her trade showroom, G. George & Co, to move to New York to work for Hinson & Company.  There she was Executive Vice President of Sales and Operations for the fabric, wallpaper, lighting and accent furniture company  distributed and represented at all the major design centers in the US.
Gwen returned to Lexington to live again a few years ago and is delighted to be back and at Ashland.

Joel grew up in Elkhorn City, Kentucky, where he was active in 4H as a student and a camp counselor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Technology from Eastern Kentucky University and worked for many years in automotive engineering, designing machines for factory automation. Joel is pleased and honored to be (back) at Ashland and believes that they will be good for one another for years to come.  He welcomes and enjoys the people and pets whose feet find their way here to stroll the grounds.
Joel is an ISA Certified Arborist.

Ian is a recent graduate of Berea College, with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Before coming to Ashland, he was an Archives Associate at the Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Teaching Assistant for the Berea College Folk-Roots Ensemble, and President of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Berea College. He is the recipient of the 2023 Blanton Prize in History and Political Science, 2023 Paul C. and Matthew D. Nelson History Prize, and the Hutchins Library Departmental Labor Award. At Ashland he is using his education in history and experience in the library to guide a general audience to engage in the study of the past.

Nathaniel E. Thompson is a versatile professional with over 20 years of experience in administration, education, photography, and operational leadership. Combining creativity with strategic vision, he has excelled as a trained vocalist, member of the American Spiritual Ensemble, and dedicated educator. Nathaniel holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration (University of Kentucky) and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Voice and Liberal Studies.

His career spans roles as an opera performer, arts advocate, and fleet maintenance director for New York City’s MTA. As the owner of Nickel Studios NYC, he provided premier photography services to fashion agencies and performers, showcasing his attention to detail and creative expertise. In education, Nathaniel has effectively managed classrooms, while his fleet management work highlights his operational excellence, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and improving efficiency.

Nathaniel specializes in strategic planning, relationship building, and fostering innovation. Passionate about cultural preservation, he is exploring a doctoral program in cultural anthropology, focusing on the arts’ role in sustaining African-American communities.

Noland Aull is a Kentucky native and a lifelong conservationist with a focus on urban restoration and biodiversity.  He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Political Science and History, before pursuing his MBA. He has joined the team at Ashland to focus on building sustainability policies, developing community partnerships, and preserving native biodiversity. Noland serves as Secretary of the LFUCG Environmental Commission; appointed by Mayor Jim Gray in 2018.