As of February 1, 2014, John McEnhill is retiring from his nine-year service with Floyd’s Jacksonville Center for the Arts. But he is not leaving the community—although he still doesn’t know what his next steps will be. “First of all, I want to just have some more free time at home, to catch up on neglected chores around the farm,” he said.
Those who know him are quite certain he will continue to be instrumentally involved with his adopted community. McEnhill moved from Northern California to the Indian Valley section of Floyd County in 2001 and began working at the Jacksonville Center in 2004, as the organization’s first Business Manager.
He credits the late Wayne Bradburn, then the Incubator manager; and Chris Shackelford (then Education Program coordinator); for mentoring him into The Jax infrastructure as well as the Floyd Community. “They really took me under their wing and introduced me to people in the community,” McEnhill said, “people with whom I worked closely later, in bringing projects and partnerships to fruition. I will always be grateful for the friendship and leadership they both showed me.”
McEnhill became interim executive director in February 2007, and the title became official in April 2008. Throughout his tenure with the organization, he has served under several Boards of Directors, led by Presidents: Wil Stratton, Susan Virginia Mead, Martha Sullivan, and Linda Fallon.
Wil Stratton said that after it re-opened post-renovation in 2003, “The Jacksonville Center embarked on an ambitious program with essentially three components: a gallery, a craft school, and a [cultural] business incubator. I know of no other arts organization in the United States that has attempted all three simultaneously. John steered the center as we learned what worked and how to modify goals. The fact that the Center has survived with this multi-faceted program in a small, rural community—and has such an enviable reputation—is truly remarkable.”
Last year, Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission staff said, “The Jacksonville Center is arguably the epicenter of the thriving artisan economy in Floyd and a primary destination on the `Round the Mountain’ artisan trail network in Southwest Virginia.” The Center’s value has also been recognized by other organizations, including the Blue Ridge Travel Association, which presented the 2007 Tourism Organization of the Year Award to The Jax; and the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, which honored The Jax and McEnhill with the 2010 Perry Kendig Award for significant contributions to the region’s artistic culture.
“The Jax is always seeking creative solutions to mundane as well as quirky problems,” says Lee Chichester, one of the founders of the organization, and current Public Relations coordinator. “We work with people, programs, ideas, sister nonprofits, elected officials, classes, educational representatives, events, sponsors, and grantor organizations. Some of these pairings work out, some don’t. What has been great throughout The Jax’s history, is that the leadership is not afraid to try new things—to make mistakes and learn from them.”
Another aspect of The Jax reputation is nurturing partnerships. “In my experience with nonprofits,” said Linda Fallon, current Board of Directors president for the center, “it is rare to find one as willing as The Jax to reach out the hand of partnership to the community. It is a philosophy of collaboration that was there before I ever joined. It’s been a relief for me, not to feel we’re always in competition with organizations and efforts that could be enhanced if each were willing to combine resources.”
All whose lives have been touched by the Jacksonville Center—whether as a student, tenant, instructor, staff, participant in a workshop or event, volunteer, or exhibit viewer—have also been touched by John McEnhill, whether they realize it or not. As the organization stretches toward its 20-year anniversary, the future looks bright. McEnhill’s successor has been chosen and is keenly looking forward to his new community and role; and will help move the organization into its third decade.
“The Jax has been blessed to have such a knowledgeable executive director,” says Gardner. “I look forward to seeing what John will do next. I also look forward to working with the new ED at the Jax.”
For more information about The Jax visit jacksonvillecenter.org or call 540-745-2784. The Jax is located at 220 Parkway Lane South in Floyd, ½ mile south of the stoplight on Route 8. Winter hours are: Monday – Friday, 10AM – 3PM; Saturday 11AM – 4PM; and Sunday CLOSED.
