Wheeling Heritage Appoints Jay Frey as Interim Executive Director, Engages with Search Firm
WHEELING, W.Va. – Sept. 9, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage’s board of directors announced today that they have appointed Jay Frey as the organization’s interim executive director, effective Sept. 17. Frey will assume the role while the organization works with an executive search firm to find a permanent executive director.
Frey is an accomplished community leader with over 40 years of experience in development, strategic planning and nonprofit leadership. He’s served as a board member for Wheeling Heritage for five years in numerous leadership positions. Frey is currently serving as chair of Wheeling Heritage’s ad-hoc Heritage Center Advisory Committee. He will resign from the board of directors to assume the interim executive director position on a part-time basis until the search is completed.
Wheeling Heritage’s board of directors has partnered with The Pace Group, an executive search firm based in Dallas, Texas, to conduct a nationwide search for the organization’s permanent executive director. The Pace Group will evaluate candidates who have already applied for the position, as well as seek additional candidates who are qualified for the position.
The decision to appoint Frey to this role was made by a unanimous vote of Wheeling Heritage’s executive committee.
Frey is involved with a number of boards and community organizations. In addition to his involvement with Wheeling Heritage, he is also an active member of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, Fort Henry Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, Friends of Wheeling, West Virginia Semiquincentennial Commission and the Wheeling Hall of Fame Board of Directors. He’s been recognized for his commitment to the community with the Community Spirit Citation from US Senator Joe Manchin and the City of Wheeling’s Community Spirit Award for his role as chairman of Wheeling 250.
“We are fortunate to have Jay step in as interim director while we continue the search process,” said Walker Holloway, Chair of the Wheeling Heritage Board of Directors. “His expertise in nonprofit leadership and strategic planning will help ensure a seamless transition for both the Wheeling Heritage team and the next executive director.”
“I am honored to help Wheeling Heritage maintain the momentum that Alex Weld and her talented team have created,” said Frey. “The city is at a tipping point and Wheeling Heritage has been and will continue to be in the vanguard of the city’s revitalization efforts.”
Wheeling Heritage’s board of directors expect to announce its next executive director in the next 60-90 days.
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
