Hollis Ashby Earns ‘Presenter of the Year’

Hollis Ashby

By Stephen Wilson

Each year, North American Performing Arts Agents and Managers (NAPAMA) recognizes performing arts industry managers with citations of excellence. Hollis Ashby, artistic and executive director of the Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette has been given the NAPAMA Award for Presenter of the Year 2020. 

Ashby has been the artistic and executive director of the Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette College since 2014, where she directs all aspects of the multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural performing arts series. Under her leadership, the Williams Center annually presents a robust schedule of classical music, jazz, dance, theater, and artistry from cultures around the world. 

The award honors recipients who demonstrate exemplary mentorship to emerging artists and professionals, lead by using best practices, and cultivate diversity and practice inclusion.

“For NAPAMA and our members, these awards are important every year. During this unprecedented time of struggle and upheaval in our industry, the awards have taken on an even greater sense of import and cause for celebration,” observes Heena Patel, vice president of communications for NAPAMA and chair of the awards committee. “This has been the most challenging year that our sector has faced, and the awards offer an opportunity to celebrate and honor two professionals who have made a difference, not only during the pandemic, but also in the whole of their careers. The nominations are an uplifting reminder of the heart and soul that our peers put into their work.”

“I’m deeply grateful to receive the Award for Excellence in Presenting the Performing Arts from this distinguished association,” says Ashby. “To have my work recognized by the Board and members of NAPAMA is an honor, indeed. Thank you.”

• Learn more about the Williams Center for the Arts.