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Lakesha Green Named Union Executive Director

Portrait Photo of Lakesha Green

– May 23, 2024

The Union for Contemporary Art is honored to announce the appointment of our next Executive Director, Lakesha Green!

Lakesha comes to The Union following an illustrious tenure serving as Executive Director for The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts in Warsaw, Indiana. She brings more than 25 years of experience in building capacities for non-profit organizations and has a deep background in theatre arts, including an MFA in Media and Performing Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design.

Union Board President Shavonne Washington-Krauth shares: "My fellow board members and I are excited to welcome Lakesha to Omaha and The Union. She brings with her the experience and passion The Union needs to enter its next chapter. We believe Lakesha will fully embrace the community and lead The Union into a wonderful future of growth and excellence beyond what any of us can currently imagine.”

Lakesha’s selection was the culmination of a competitive nationwide search for an Executive Director led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). Lakesha will assume the role of Executive Director on June 1, 2024.

We know our founder, Brigitte McQueen, is leaving some very big shoes to fill. But her vision for the vitality and promise of The Union is more vivid than ever for us. Collectively, the Union staff and board are eager to carry her legacy forward into this next beautiful era under Lakesha's skilled leadership.

Meet Lakesha Green

Lakesha Green is the former Executive Director of The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. Prior to this, Green was Director of Youth Programs Coordinator at the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, NY, where she worked with community groups, school districts and other nonprofit organizations to build community engagement and audience development. Lakesha has spent the past 25 years consulting and directing all over the Northeast, building capacities for non-profit organizations. She previously taught in public school systems as a theater arts director and spent 15 years as a Theater Arts Director and Arts and Youth Development Director at All Walks of Life Inc. located in Savannah, GA where she demonstrated solid organizational skills and excelled in securing funding for the Arts Integration and Arts Magnet Programs.

Lakesha has also earned a Leveraging Engagement and Action in Diversity (L.E.A.D.) Executive Certificate from Indiana Tech and serves as a member of the Arts United Cohort for the Northeast Panel. She has been appointed to serve on the Indiana Arts Commission State Arts Strategic Plan Task Force.


Green holds a BA in Theater Arts from The Alabama State University and an MFA in Media and Performing arts from Savannah College of Art and Design. Lakesha currently serves as the Board Chair of Water Walkers Foundation located in Jackson MS, bringing film and the arts to the underserved communities. Green is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Green has an amazing 6-year-old son named Hendrix who really completes her WHY in life.


Green is passionate about the arts and making sure that art is accessible to all walks of life in all communities especially under-served populations. She has had the privilege and opportunity to serve on many strategic frameworks for nonprofits across the South and Northeast. Lakesha has a heart for people and making sure that art is sustainable in communities for years to come.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Board of Directors for entrusting me with this significant responsibility. I am committed to upholding the values and mission of The Union for Contemporary Art and to working tirelessly to continue the remarkable work that has been achieved thus far.

It is clear to me that North Omaha is a place where the arts are deeply cherished and where community spirit thrives. I am eager to immerse myself in the unique culture and traditions that make this community so special. As we look towards the future together, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm. I believe that together, we can build on the strong foundation that has been carefully laid and explore new horizons.

My vision is to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where the arts can flourish, where creativity knows no bounds, and where every member of our community feels valued and inspired. In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to meeting and getting to know the community personally. I am eager to hear your ideas, hopes, and aspirations for our organization. Your input and collaboration are essential as we strive to sustain programs and initiatives that resonate with our diverse community and address its needs and interests.”
- Lakesha Green