George Patrick [GP] McLeer, Jr became the Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Alliance, the only statewide arts advocacy organization, in July of 2016. GP leads the organization in efforts to ensure that all South Carolinians have access to quality arts experiences and arts education at the state and federal level through public policy initiatives, public awareness, and leadership development for creative professionals.

Previously, GP served as the Administrator of the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of Mauldin, SC, where he was responsible for leveraging the cultural and artistic assets within the community to strengthen economic development and quality of life. This included developing and managing the Mauldin Cultural Center, the Mauldin Public Art Trail, and the Railroad Concert Series, as well as managing all city-wide marketing, and advising on economic development projects.

GP is currently the Chair of the Fountain Inn Chamber Commerce and also serves on the board for St. Joseph’s Catholic School (Greenville, SC), the Fountain Inn Chorale, Palmetto State Arts Education, a member of the College of Charleston’s School of the Arts Council, and as a Steering Committee member for the Arts in Basic Curriculum Project.

GP currently resides in Fountain Inn, SC where he is an active community volunteer.  GP holds a BA in Arts Management from the College of Charleston, where he has been recognized with the 2016 School of the Arts Young Alumni Award, the Julie Jett Arts Management Citizenship Award, and placed in the School of the Arts Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the first-ever Alumni Heart Award by St. Joseph’s Catholic School for his contribution to the arts community.

Past positions include: Administrator, City of Mauldin Office of Cultural Affairs; Executive Director, Mauldin Cultural Center; Development Assistant, Charleston Stage Company; Arts Management Intern, Younts Center for the Performing Arts.

Past board / committee service includes: Mauldin Cultural Council, Upstate International, 2014 Arts Education Task Force (SC Arts Commission), and Ten at the Top Community Vibrancy Task Force.