Columbia Museum of Art’s board of trustees adds three new members

PRESS RELEASE

June 27, 2024

Talented local leaders bring their skills to the museum

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art announces Leslie Archie, Elizabeth Nkuo Johnson, and Jesse A. Smith as the three new members elected to serve on its board of trustees for the 2024 – 2027 term.

Archie is a former engineer at SCANA now enjoying her retirement. A CMA member since 1998, Archie has previously served on the museum’s board of trustees (2016 – 2022) and as secretary of its executive committee.

Nkuo Johnson is the longtime director of community relations at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. She has been a museum member since 2009 and a member of museum affinity group Columbia Design League since 2010, serving terms as both president and vice president.

Smith is the executive director of the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority. He previously worked as a strategic advisor to companies across the state and held a senior leadership position at First Citizens Bank. A CMA member since 2004, Smith has also been a member of the museum affinity group The Contemporaries and helped with their fundraising to secure the CMA’s iconic Chihuly chandelier a decade ago.

“It’s truly commendable to see the new trustees of the Columbia Museum of Art actively contributing their skills, connections, and passionate advocacy to further the organization’s mission,” says CMA Executive Director Della Watkins. “Their commitment to governance leadership is inspiring!“