Jennifer Scripps named new Office of Cultural Affairs Director

City Manager A.C. Gonzalez has announced that Jennifer H. Scripps has been named Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA). A native of Dallas, Jennifer brings valuable experience from her prior experience as a strategic consultant and working within arts organizations on a larger scale, including roles at Bain & Company, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

“In her eight years working for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Jennifer was immersed in the design, construction, fundraising and management of a science museum that is truly a new breed for the 21s1 century,” Gonzalez said in a memo sent to the City Council Friday.

“Her responsibilities required equal parts vision, leadership, partnership building, and management skills. Without an existing endowment or major public funding, she helped build a sustainable business model dependent on earned income, yet with special programs to ensure that the Perot Museum was accessible to all. Overseeing day-to-day business operations for more than three years helped her gain firsthand understanding of running a major cultural organization.

“Her initial focus will be to lead development of a new strategic plan to guide the City’s investments in arts and cultural offerings throughout Dallas, promote sustainability in arts organizations and facilities, as well as demonstrate the value of the arts in Dallas – as a dynamic piece of Dallas life, as key to PK-12 education and lifelong learning, and, most importantly, as a vital economic engine.”

Gonzalez also recognized the contributions of David Fisher, who had been serving as OCA Interim Director. “David rose to capably meet the challenges of managing the department, and clearly demonstrated the value he adds to this organization. He will continue to be a vital asset to Dallas in his role as Assistant Director,” he said.

Scripps will assume her duties as Director in May.