(COLUMBUS, OH) — The Board of Directors of the Jazz Arts Group Columbus (JAG) has appointed Press Southworth III as the organization’s chief executive officer. Southworth has served as JAG’s executive director since October 2012. With this new appointment, Southworth becomes a voting member of the JAG Board of Directors while continuing his leadership role at the helm of the non-profit organization.

“The Jazz Arts Group is pleased to name Press as chief executive officer. Under his tenure, the organization has regained financial stability and is operating at a sustainable level,” said JAG Board Chair, Jim Negron, President, Corna Kokosing.

Prior to joining JAG, Southworth served as executive director of Opera Columbus from 2006 to 2011. During that tenure he was also president, for two years, of the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium (CCLC).

Press Southworth was with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for nearly 27 years where he served as engagement partner on SEC reporting Bank Holding Companies, Insurance Companies, Retail Industry Companies and Multi-fund/Multi-class Mutual Fund Families. He was a national leader in the firm’s In-Control Services response to the FDIC Improvement Act and member of the AICPA Banking Committee and FDICIA Task Force.

Press graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University and was recognized by PaceSetters as the Outstanding Scholar Leader of the senior class of the Business College in 1975. He is a Vietnam Veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart having served in the US Army as an artillery captain.

Press has been an active community volunteer for nearly 40 years and has served as chairman or president of the following organizations: Ohio Society of CPAs, PaceSetters of the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University, March of Dimes of Central Ohio, Prevent Blindness of Ohio, St. Charles Booster Club, the Columbus Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, the Columbus Chapter of the OSCPAs, Opera Columbus, Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium, and the Miranova Homeowners Association.

Jazz Arts Group of Columbus is America’s premier not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting Jazz.

JAG performances include the Swingin’ with the CJO series at the Southern Theatre, JazZoo at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Jazz at the Lincoln Theatre concert series, and the PBJ & Jazz family jazz series at the Lincoln Ballroom and Topiary Park.

The Jazz Arts Group believes in the power of music to transform lives and is committed to offering lifelong-learning opportunities for individuals of all ages, interests, backgrounds and abilities. JAG operates The Jazz Academy, located within the Lincoln Theatre complex, where many of its education and community outreach programs are delivered. The Jazz Academy recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. JAG also operates an Affiliate Musicians program that continues to work with Columbus-based musicians on professional development and performance opportunities.

JAG’s 2019-2020 season continues with performances by Byron Stripling and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra featuring Juno-Award nominated trumpeter-vocalist Bria Skonberg (Feb 20-23), veteran xylophone virtuoso Ian Finkel and rising trumpeter Tony Glausi (Mar 12-15), and Vintage Trouble front man, Ty Taylor (Apr 23-26) all at the Southern Theatre. JAG continues its Jazz at the Lincoln Theatre series with Grammynominated saxophonist Melissa Aldana with her quartet (Apr 3). For tickets and information visit the Jazz Arts Group’s website at www.jazzartsgroup.org or CBUSArts.com.

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