As we honor Jennifer and Leigh’s legacy, LEAF Global Arts is stepping confidently into an exciting new chapter of growth and renewal. The Board is excited to support Executive Director Erinn Hartley as she leads LEAF’s mission forward with clarity, a deep commitment to staff and community, and a strong focus on long-term sustainability.
Erinn Hartley is a long time LEAF Staffer, who stepped into the role of Executive Director with 17 years of deep commitment to LEAF Global Arts and its mission. Beginning as a Resident Teaching Artist, Hartley went on to serve as Education Director for more than six years, shaping and expanding arts education programs in communities and schools. With a background rooted in both the arts and education, and prior experience as a Program Director at the YWCA, Hartley brings a strong foundation in community-centered leadership. Her career reflects a long-standing dedication to access and the power of the arts to build connection and opportunity. As LEAF enters a pivotal period of transition, Hartley’s institutional knowledge, trusted relationships, and vision position the organization to evolve with intention while staying grounded in its core values and expanding its impact into the future.
Hartley’s leadership reflects the core values of LEAF: creativity, equity, cultural celebration and meaningful community impact. We look forward to her guiding LEAF into its next evolution, one rooted in collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision of strengthening both local and global arts engagement.
LEAF’s Impact Across Generations and Continents
Over three decades, LEAF Global Arts has welcomed artists from 117 countries, engaged over 500,000 people at Lake Eden, and touched more than 120,000 more youth and families through Downtown Asheville events, LEAF International, LEAF Schools & Streets, and the LEAF Global Experience.