Congratulations to Dublin Arts Council Executive Director and AAEP alumnus Dr. David Guion on being named the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors' 2021 Business Person of the Year!

The Business Person of the Year Award is presented annually by the Dublin Chamber to an individual who has positively contributed to the betterment of Dublin’s business community. The recipient demonstrates superior leadership and service and helps to make Dublin a better place to live and work.

Guion has served as executive director of Dublin Arts Council since 2005, bringing more than 30 years of arts administration experience to the organization. His commitment to the community has been more evident than ever over the past 14 months in his response to the pandemic. With a focus on Dublin Arts Council’s mission to engage the community, cultivate creativity and foster life-long learning through the arts, Guion led the development of new socially distanced programming such as the Plant Kindness rock garden, Dublin Curbside Concerts, a Public Art & Wellness Challenge in Dublin’s parks, and more. Each free offering was designed to inspire community members, support local businesses and service organizations, and impact community well-being.

“Dr. Guion’s leadership and passion to keep the arts alive in Dublin during this past year was deeply moving to the selection committee,” says Dublin Chamber Board President Bill Andrews. “The Arts Council’s programs are designed to engage the community, promote art and wellness, as well as to provide access to the arts for all. These valuable initiatives were accomplished under the most extreme circumstances with limited resources. Thanks to Dr. Guion’s steadfast commitment, the arts remained accessible to all who live, work and learn in Dublin.” 

Guion earned his PhD in Art Education from The Ohio State University in 2008 and lectures internationally on arts administration topics. He has worked with nonprofit arts organizations and educational institutions from the Bay Area of California to New York City. Guion has adjudicated exhibitions and served on grants panels for numerous arts organizations throughout the Midwest. He currently serves on the board of Ohio Citizens for the Arts, carrying out its mission to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to creativity and the arts. Dr. Guion was named a Smart50 leader by Smart Business magazine in 2015.

This announcement originally appeared in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce's press release.