Patti Grimes, the Foundation’s long-serving Executive Director, to step aside following appointment of her successor, marking the next chapter in her leadership journey.

The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Board of Directors announced today the planned transition of Executive Director Patti Grimes, who will step aside later this year following the appointment of her successor. Grimes has been a leader at the Foundation — and its signature venue, the Freeman Arts Pavilion — since its founding in 2007.

Consistent with governance best practices and its commitment to long-term sustainability, the board has engaged the global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to conduct the search. Candidate interviews are expected to begin as early as the spring.

Founded by Michelle Freeman in honor of her late husband, Josh Freeman, the foundation is rooted in the belief that the arts should be accessible to all. Its mission advances arts access through performance, education, and advocacy.

Under Grimes’ leadership, the foundation has grown steadily, guided by a vision of legacy, community, and impact. Together with an engaged board, dedicated leadership team, talented staff, and committed volunteers, the organization has reached more than one million people through its summer concert series and year-round Arts Access Initiative — providing more than 300,000 opportunities for students and families to experience live arts free of charge.

Nineteen years in the making, the new permanent stage and back-of-house facilities at Freeman Arts Pavilion are scheduled to open in July 2026. The expanded outdoor venue will seat up to 4,000 guests, extend the performance season, and is expected to welcome more than 150,000 visitors annually, delivering transformative arts experiences to the community while generating significant economic and cultural impact across the region.

“Serving as executive director for so many years has been an extraordinary privilege,” Grimes said. “The timing is right for me to step into my next leadership chapter. Since day one, we have been growing and creating arts experiences that inspire and connect people. Our work has always been grounded in our mission, and I remain committed to supporting the board and the next executive director during the leadership transition. This is an exciting time for everyone in the organization, as new leadership brings fresh energy, ideas, and relationships.”

Board Chair Michelle Freeman and the entire Joshua M. Freeman Foundation board expressed deep gratitude for Grimes’ leadership, dedication and enthusiasm.

“It’s been a privilege to witness Patti’s extraordinary impact as she built a vibrant arts hub for Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic. Her conviction that the arts unite and uplift communities has transformed our region. Patti is a consummate professional and changemaker whose influence will continue far beyond the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. With her support, a dynamic team, and the board’s guidance, the Freeman Arts Pavilion is poised for even greater success as we look ahead to our 2026 season and an inspiring new chapter for the foundation.”

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Our work has always been grounded in our mission, and I remain committed to supporting the board and the next executive director during the leadership transition.