President and CEO of The Conference of Churches and the 224 Ecospace, Rev. Dr. Shelley Best Accepts New Role Within Hartford Community

 

President and CEO of The Conference of Churches and the 224 Ecospace, Rev. Dr. Shelley Best Accepts New Role Within Hartford Community

The Conference of Churches and the 224 EcoSpace announce today that Rev. Dr. Shelley D. Best has accepted a new role as the CEO of the Greater Hartford Arts Council effective in April, 2022.

Dr. Best served as the President and CEO of the Conference of Churches for 20 years and is widely credited for its revitalization through the creation of The 224 EcoSpace, a $3.5 million social enterprise “where change makers work, create and lead.”

“This vision of creating something out of nothing from the ground up - pulling together a collage of resources to build a sacred entrepreneurial venue, the 224 EcoSpace, that is now filled with galleries, performance, and workspaces for small businesses and artists alike - was one of my greatest achievements,” Dr. Best commented. “Through my new role at the Greater Hartford Arts Council, I plan to expand this vision of creativity and transformation.”

Continuing her passion of providing opportunities, in 2021 Dr. Best established the Artists of Color Unite! program, which was developed to build a more united community that recognizes and celebrates local artists of color. Through the program, these artists are given an opportunity to become cultural ambassadors, elevating the city of Hartford and building bridges to the suburbs, which speaks to the value proposition of The Conference of Churches, “to provide an environment to gather and inspire people who want to grow and facilitate positive change.”

“Dr. Best is a true artist and entrepreneur who continually develops and evolves. We’re grateful for the many successes she has contributed to our organization and our community,” emphasized Mary Crean, President of the Conference of Churches Board.“The Board will continue to build upon Dr. Best’s visionary thinking and transformational efforts, which include neighborhood revitalization and developing a hub for creative entrepreneurs.”

Until a replacement is found, Rev. F. Lydell Brown, Chief Operating Officer of The Conference of Churches, will assume the role of interim President.

Photo by Keith Claytor