The King Arts Complex is turning to community-engagement pro Corey Favor to lead it into its next act, naming him its new chief executive on Tuesday. Favor steps into the top job at the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex after a turbulent stretch of leadership turnover that saw the previous CEO depart just months into her tenure. Board members are framing the move as an effort to stabilize day-to-day operations and reinforce the complex's role on the Near East Side.
Board Calls Hire a 'Bold New Chapter'
According to Columbus Business First, the King Arts Complex board said Favor's appointment ushers in a "bold new chapter" for the nonprofit and formally announced his selection on Tuesday. The outlet noted that the hire is part of a broader leadership reset for the organization.
Leadership Turmoil and Internal Review
Favor's arrival follows a period of upheaval at the complex. Regina Ann Campbell, who took over as CEO in October 2024, was later suspended while the board carried out an internal review, as reported by NBC4 Investigates. That reporting highlighted that the King Arts Complex receives municipal support and noted that officials declined to comment while the review was underway. Campbell's suspension and eventual departure left the organization searching for stable leadership heading into a busy programming season.
Who Corey Favor Is
Favor is a Columbus arts organizer with a background in community engagement and creative programming. He is listed as senior director of community engagement at Orange Barrel Media on the Columbus Chamber site and appears on statewide arts leadership rosters through CreativeOhio. Local coverage also credits Favor as a co-founder of Creative Control Fest, a community-focused creative conference, underscoring his connections across Columbus arts networks, according to Columbus Underground.
What Is Next for the King Arts Complex
Located at 835 Mt. Vernon Ave., the King Arts Complex hosts exhibitions, festivals and youth education programs and describes its mission on its website as connecting community through the arts. With spring programming on the horizon, board leaders say Favor will be tasked with stabilizing operations and strengthening community partnerships, priorities they say guided the search for a new chief executive.
Looking Ahead
Columbus Business First first reported Favor's appointment and relayed the board's "bold new chapter" language. His hire effectively closes a chapter of leadership uncertainty and places a community-engagement specialist at the helm as the King Arts Complex readies its upcoming events and fundraising efforts.
