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The Visual AIDS Board of Directors is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Kyle Croft as Executive Director. Kyle has served as Interim Director since June 2023 and Programs Director since 2019, succeeding Esther McGowan, who joined Aperture after more than 10 years with the organization.
The hiring of Kyle, who has assumed the permanent role, follows a yearlong search led by ALJP Consulting, a Black female-owned and led nonprofit leadership search firm that specializes in creating and fostering more diverse and inclusive cultural spaces. The search was conducted in partnership with a search committee of board and community members. The position attracted an international pool of applicants, and the process incorporated feedback and invited participation from a variety of board, staff, artists, and local stakeholders.
In his new capacity as Executive Director, Kyle will be responsible for leading the organization’s fiscal management, fundraising strategy, as well as shaping its programs and creative partnerships. He will be charged with strengthening Visual AIDS organizational footing and advancing its archives in innovative ways, overseeing full- and part-time staff, and working in partnership with the Board of Directors.
As Programs Director at Visual AIDS, Kyle’s accomplishments include expanding Day With(out) Art into an international video commission program with over 150 museum partners worldwide, initiating new research programs to position the Visual AIDS Archive as both a community and scholarly resource, and strengthening our publishing program through critically acclaimed books like Darrel Ellis.
Visual AIDS Board President Marguerite Van Cook said of the appointment “We are delighted to have Kyle as our new Executive Director. His deep knowledge of our organization and his excellent leadership in programming and in developing our archives make him a wonderful choice to guide Visual AIDS into new possibilities and to strengthen our mission.”
Sur Rodney Sur, Artist and former Visual AIDS board member who served on the search committee, shared “After reviewing many proposed candidates, selecting Kyle as our new Executive Director was a welcomed surprise. What he brings to the position are his valuable relationships and understanding of our archive members, our mission, and our programs. Kyle has been an important part of Visual AIDS’s organizational development, and his knowledge will serve as a vital asset towards steering us into the future.”
On his appointment to Executive Director Kyle said “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead an organization I care so much about. Visual AIDS is unique as an arts organization that seeks to both preserve AIDS cultural histories and respond to the ongoing HIV crisis. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our dedicated staff and rich community of artists, activists, and scholars in order to advance these dual aims.”
"Kyle’s promotion to Executive Director comes after demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to the organization's mission." says ALJP Owner and Principal Jocelyn Prince, "He began work with Visual AIDS as an intern, and over time expanded his capacity and portfolio to move into leadership positions such as Programs Manager and Deputy Director. Kyle’s dedication to the organization will be a wonderful asset in his new role.”