International Association of Blacks In Dance Appoints Omar Ingram as Executive Director

Omar Ingram, current Co-Executive Director of the International Association of Blacks In Dance (IABD), will assume the role of Executive Director on March 1, 2025. Dr. Natasha Moreland Spears is stepping down as Co-Executive Director effective February 28, 2025. Ingram has co-led IABD's growth and programming, including the annual conference and festival, and has served on various arts boards and councils. Spears has led strategic initiatives in development, membership, and marketing communications during her tenure.

The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Ingram and Natasha Moreland Spears as Co-Executive Directors, effective March 1, 2025. Current Co-Executive Director Dr. Natasha Moreland Spears will step down on February 28, 2025, and Omar Ingram will assume the role of Executive Director alongside her.

Ingram, who has served as IABD's Programs Director since 2018 and was appointed Co-Executive Lead in 2021, brings extensive experience in both the commercial and nonprofit arts sectors. His leadership is grounded in programming, organizing, and business and financial operations. Ingram has co-led IABD's growth and programming, including the annual conference and festival, and has served on various arts boards and councils [1].

Moreland Spears, who will continue to serve as Co-Executive Director until her departure, has vast experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, working in print and radio media, public television, arts and culture, human services, and public health. She has also advised organizations on resource development, operations, strategic planning, and marketing and communications [1].

The Co-Executive Director model allows IABD the benefit of leadership with complementing professional experience from accomplished leaders. Ingram will focus on internal operational tasks, Business/ Finance, and Programming, while Moreland Spears will focus on external-facing responsibilities, Communications, and Fundraising/ Development. Both leaders will share the responsibility of the Membership area with split focus on member benefits and earned income [1].

IABD Board Chair Ayisha A. Morgan-Lee expressed her gratitude to Denise Saunders Thompson for her many years of leadership and advocacy for the organization. "In the world of nonprofits, co-directors is an emerging phenomenon, and we are extremely happy to welcome Natasha and Omar to the IABD team. We look forward to the work that Natasha and Omar will do together in the leadership of this organization," Morgan-Lee said [1].

References:
[1] Dance/Informa. (2022, December 13). The International Association of Blacks in Dance Announces New Co-Executive Director, Natasha R. Moreland Spears. https://danceinforma.us/blog/the-international-association-of-blacks-in-dance-announces-new-co-executive-director-natasha-r-moreland-spears