We’re honored to share an exciting moment in Pewabic’s story.
After a thoughtful and comprehensive search, Pewabic’s Board of Trustees has selected our next Executive Director: Jim Leija. As we look ahead, we are inspired to welcome a leader who will help steward Pewabic’s legacy while shaping its future in new and meaningful ways. He begins July 1.
Pewabic's incoming Executive Director, Jim Leija, smiles in front of the pottery. Photo by Amanda Rogers
Jim brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience spanning arts, culture, and education, with expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, governance, public engagement, and earned-revenue operations. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for Public Experience & Learning at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), overseeing education, public programming, community engagement, visitor services, retail operations, and facilities. In 2025, he was appointed UMMA’s Acting Director, overseeing museum-wide operations, multimillion-dollar budgets, and cross-sector partnerships for one of the nation’s leading university art museums.
Previously, Jim held senior leadership roles at the University Musical Society, where he managed a department with more than $1 million in annual operations and contributed to an earned-revenue model exceeding $3 million, while helping advance nationally recognized arts programming and community engagement initiatives.
Jim has served in governance leadership positions, including as Board President of the Ann Arbor District Library, where he stewarded a significant public budget and oversaw executive leadership transitions. He currently serves on the board of InsideOut Literary Arts.
“Jim brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, operational excellence, artistic passion, and deep community connection,” said David Fox, chair of Pewabic’s Board of Trustees. “Throughout the search process, it became clear that he not only understands the importance of Pewabic’s extraordinary history, but also its potential for the future. We are excited to welcome a leader who will help strengthen Pewabic’s impact for artists, students, supporters, and the broader community for years to come.”
A lifelong artist and self-described “arts omnivore,” Jim earned his MFA in Art & Design from the University of Michigan and remains an active maker and performer, including singing with PRISM Chorus Detroit.
“I’m honored to join Pewabic, an institution with such a deep artistic and cultural legacy,” said Jim Leija. “As a metro Detroit native, I understand how important Pewabic is to the City and to so many of us who call this region home. Pewabic is a place where art, craftsmanship, and community come together in such powerful ways, and I look forward to working alongside the talented staff, artists, board, and supporters to shape its next chapter.”
Jim replaces Steve McBride who resigned for health reasons in September 2025 after a decade as executive director.
We are grateful to the Board search committee, led by Laura Trudeau, and to Katherine Jacobs of NPAG for their care and guidance throughout this process. We also thank the many members of our community who shared their perspectives along the way. Your voices are part of what makes Pewabic so special.
We look forward to welcoming Jim and continuing our mission to enrich the human spirit through clay.
A view of the National Historic Landmark studio building. Photo by EEBerger.
