George Mason University's Hylton Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce Carolyn Hays as its next executive director, effective May 10, 2026. Hays, who has served as the Hylton Center’s director of development since February 2024, steps into the role following a rigorous national search and succeeds the College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Rick Davis, who has led the organization for nearly 15 years.
A seasoned nonprofit leader with more than two decades of experience in strategic planning, board development, fundraising, and organizational leadership, Hays brings both deep institutional knowledge and a broad perspective shaped by leadership roles across the arts, higher education, and healthcare philanthropy sectors. Her appointment reflects a strong continuity of mission for the Hylton Center, while embarking on an exciting new chapter for its long-range artistic vision and community impact.
“Carolyn has already distinguished herself as an exceptional leader within the Hylton Center, bringing strategic insight, collaborative energy, and a profound commitment to our mission," said Davis. “Her ability to build meaningful relationships across our staff, board, university, and regional community, paired with her impressive record in fundraising and organizational leadership, makes her uniquely prepared to guide the Hylton Center into its next era of artistic excellence and civic connection.”
The transition also marks a moment to celebrate the extraordinary tenure of Davis, who has served as executive director of the Hylton Center since 2011, while also leading George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts as dean since 2015. Under his leadership, the Hylton Center expanded its presenting footprint through signature series and community partnerships, deepened its education programming for learners of all ages, and established the nationally recognized Veterans and the Arts Initiative in 2014 in collaboration with Program Director Niyati Dhokai.
Davis also oversaw the completion of the Education and Rehearsal Wing in 2019, fulfilling the original vision for the campus as a place where great art is created, taught, rehearsed, and shared. During his tenure, and thanks to its continuing partnership with the Hylton Family Foundation, the Hylton Center was able to assist its Arts Partners and Affiliates with rental waivers through the pandemic and its aftermath. A further philanthropic milestone was reached this spring when the Hylton Center completed its long-held goal of raising $15 million in endowment funds to help guarantee future financial stability.
"I have had the honor of working with Rick Davis in his role as executive director for nearly a decade. His dedicated leadership has transformed the nascent idea of a true community and arts partnership into a world-class creative commons. Now, at 16, the Hylton Center has an abundance of new opportunities with the expansion of George Mason, the realization of Innovation Park, and a new executive director who can spend her time focused on bringing the facility and its community to the next level," said Executive Board Chair Joyce Connery.
As director of development, Hays has been a key member of the Hylton Center’s senior leadership team and staff liaison to the Executive Board. Her work has included establishing the framework for a $1 million contributed revenue goal, securing transformational support for accessibility initiatives across Mason Arts, and cultivating significant planned gifts that will benefit the wider arts ecosystem at George Mason.
Connery added, “Since she came on board as development director, Carolyn has challenged us all to dream bigger and open ourselves up to new ways to bring in audiences and partners and keep them enthralled. In her new role, I am confident that she will bring the Hylton Center to the next level and expand our reach."
Hailing proudly from Wyoming, Hays holds degrees from the University of Wyoming and Florida State University and maintains active professional credentials through CFRE International and BoardSource. Prior to joining the Hylton Center, Hays built an accomplished career that includes positions at Washington Performing Arts, Washington National Opera, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and nearly a decade in community hospital philanthropy in both Texas and Northern Virginia. Her experience also includes teaching arts leadership and management at the University of Houston and George Mason. Additionally, she’s the current board member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and part of the 2026 Leadership Prince William class.
“As an artist and a leader, I am honored to guide the Hylton Center into its next chapter," said Hays. “Our stage is a ‘creative commons’ for Northern Virginia, and I am committed to ensuring it remains a vibrant home where world-class performance, education, and community engagement thrive together.”
Hays’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Hylton Center continues to expand its role as a cultural hub for Prince William County, Manassas, and the greater Northern Virginia region. As it enters this new chapter, audiences, artists, and community partners can look forward to an exciting season of programming and continued opportunities for engagement.