A Message from CCAC Board Chair, Jens Rosenkrantz Jr
Friday, June 20, 2025
Dear CCAC Community,
On behalf of the Clifton Cultural Arts Center Board of Directors, I want to share that after nearly 12 years of exceptional leadership, Leslie Mooney will be stepping down as Executive Director. Her last day in the office will be July 3.
Leslie has led CCAC through an extraordinary era of growth and transformation. During her tenure, we expanded our staff, built meaningful new partnerships, and raised over $11 million to bring a new, state-of-the-art community arts center to life. She helped guide the organization through complex moments with perseverance, vision, and a steady hand—and never wavered in her commitment to CCAC’s mission of building community through the arts.
As Abby Moran, a member of the search committee that hired Leslie and co-chair of the Capital Campaign Cabinet, shared:
“When we first hired Leslie 12 years ago, none of us could have imagined the challenges and changes ahead—or the extraordinary leadership she would bring to every one of them. Watching her guide CCAC with such vision, perseverance, and grace has been truly inspiring. She’s grown the organization in ways we only dreamed of and leaves it stronger, more vibrant, and ready for the future. It’s been a joy to watch her lead and to support her journey.”
Leslie will be staying in Cincinnati and continuing her work in the arts and community-building space as the new Vice President and Executive Director of BLINK at the Cincinnati Chamber. We’re thrilled she’ll remain a creative force in our city.
In Leslie’s own words:
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside such a dedicated board, talented staff, and generous community of supporters. To have had the opportunity to design and build a permanent home for the arts—one that will serve this community for generations to come—is a privilege I will never take for granted. CCAC’s new center isn’t just a building; it’s a space that energizes our business district, gives children a place to explore and express their creativity, and brings people together across differences. After a period of global isolation, this center has become a place of connection, joy, and belonging—exactly what our community needs. I will always carry this work, and this community, with deep pride and gratitude.”
As CCAC prepares for this next chapter, the Board is proud to announce two key leadership promotions. John Leo Muething, currently CCAC’s Development and Marketing Manager, will step into the role of Interim Executive Director. In addition, Emalene Benson will be promoted from Programs Manager to Programs Director. Both of these longtime staff members embody CCAC’s mission and bring deep commitment, talent, and continuity to this time of transition.
Led by Vice Chair Monica Mehta and me, the board is excited to support this strong internal team and begin work on a new strategic plan to guide CCAC into its next phase of growth and service to the greater Cincinnati community.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I want to thank Leslie for her visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and the legacy she leaves behind at CCAC. We invite you to join us in celebrating her accomplishments and supporting CCAC’s exciting next chapter.
Warmly,
Jens Rosenkrantz, Jr.
Chair, Board of Directors
Clifton Cultural Arts Center

CCAC Leadership Staff

Leslie Mooney
Outgoing Executive Director

John Leo Muething
Interim Executive Director

Emalene Benson
Programs Director