Black Mountain Center for the Arts taps ‘dynamic leader’ for executive director role
Evan Goetze brings collaborative leadership style to the Swannanoa Valley
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 5, 2026
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts announced, July 1, that former Tybee Post Theater director Evan Goetz will lead the local nonprofit organization. Photo by Fred McCormick
A new leader will guide the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, following an announcement, July 1, by the board of directors.
Evan Goetz, the former executive director of the Tybee Post Theater in Georgia, has accepted the same role with the Swannanoa Valley nonprofit organization.
The new BMCA director, the third in the 26-year-old organization’s history, is “dynamic arts leader” with experience managing nonprofits, fundraising, community engagement and cultural programming, the board of directors said in a press release announcing the decision. Goetz steps into the position following the March departure of Lori Cozzi, who resigned in March, following seven yeas in the office, to accept a position with the N.C. Arts Council.
Evan Goetz was named executive director of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, July 1. Courtesy photo
“We are thrilled to welcome Evan to BMCA,” said BMCA Board of Directors Chair Mary Fallert. “His collaborative leadership style, passion for community-centered arts programming and proven ability to build partnerships and secure resources make him exceptionally well suited to lead the organization into its next chapter.”
In his previous role, according to the BMCA board representative, Goetz successfully led the historic performing arts organization in strategic growth initiatives and expanded programming, while strengthening its financial sustainability. He oversaw more than 225 annual events and programs with the Tybee Post Theater, which is located in the Fort Screven Historic District of the island.
In Black Mountain, his office will be located in the town’s former town hall building, which currently hosts a theater, gallery and clay studio, while offering a range of classes and workshops for dancers, musicians and visual artists of all ages and abilities.
“I am honored to join the Black Mountain Center for the Arts at such an exciting moment,” Goetz said. “BMCA’s mission to bring the arts to the people and the people to the arts deeply resonates with me. I look forward to collaborating with staff, volunteers, artists and community partners to continue expanding opportunities for creativity, connection and cultural engagement throughout the region.”