Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Appoints James-Allan Holmes as Next President and CEO Following National Search

Media Contact
Director of Communications & Policy
Anthony Grimes, Jr.
303-825-3774
anthony@bonfils-stanton.org

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Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of James-Allan Holmes as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, following a national search. Holmes will assume the role as of February 15, transitioning from his position as Executive Director of Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation, the nonprofit steward of a 3,400-acre historic estate, cultural landmark, and conservation site in Colorado.

Holmes steps into the role at a moment when arts and culture institutions nationwide are being asked to do more with less—balancing federal divestment, local instability, and increased strain on artists and non-profits. Over more than a decade of senior nonprofit leadership, Holmes has built a reputation for doing the hard work behind sustainable cultural access: strengthening financial foundations while expanding public-facing impact.

At Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation, Holmes oversaw daily operations, long-term strategy, fundraising, and public programming for a complex, mission-driven institution at the intersection of historic preservation, land conservation, and cultural engagement. Under his leadership, the organization more than doubled its endowment and expanded programming to more than 500 public and educational offerings, positioning the institution for long-term sustainability while widening community access.

Beyond his executive leadership, Holmes has helped shape Denver’s cultural ecosystem through institutions with national profiles. He has served on boards including Denver Art Museum, Colorado Ballet, and the Art District on Santa Fe among others, while also maintaining an active artistic practice in the district. In partnership with Denver Art Museum, Holmes co-founded the Black Arts Collective, an initiative focused on expanding collection acquisitions and building new funding models for artists of the African Diaspora.

“At its core, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation exists to strengthen arts and culture in ways that are equitable, sustainable, and deeply rooted in community,” said Mike Bock, Chairman of the Board. “James brings clear alignment with those values, along with steady, principled leadership honoring where the foundation has been while positioning it thoughtfully for what comes next. The board is confident in his ability to steward our mission with both care and conviction.”

“James is a rare kind of leader,” said Rehan Hasan, Vice-Chair of the Board. “He understands creative practice, institutional responsibility, and the connective tissue between sectors. His versatility allows him to move fluidly between artists, partners, and systems—translating vision into action. That ability to build bridges and navigate complexity is exactly what this moment calls for.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Holmes said, “Bonfils-Stanton Foundation has earned its influence by showing up consistently for artists and cultural organizations in Denver. The chance to carry that work forward—especially where advocacy can help unlock broader, systems-level support—felt uniquely meaningful to me. I’m honored to step into this role, build on what’s working, and use creative problem-solving to strengthen long-term support for arts and culture locally and nationally.”

Holmes’ appointment reflects Bonfils-Stanton Foundation’s commitment to meeting this moment with both urgency and endurance: supporting artists and cultural organizations through today’s challenges while ensuring the institution remains strong for decades to come.

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About Bonfils-Stanton Foundation

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation believes extraordinary arts and leadership are essential to a vibrant Denver. The Foundation’s mission is to invest in inclusive, diverse, and equitable arts and culture organizations and social sector leaders to create a thriving and just city. Through strategic grantmaking, impact investing, and bold advocacy, Bonfils-Stanton advances a more imaginative and equitable future. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in charitable support. Learn more at www.bonfils-stantonfoundation.org.