DeVone Holt named president and CEO of Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Muhammad Ali Center named a new president and CEO.

DeVone Holt was selected by the nonprofit museum and cultural center's board of directors to serve in the role. Holt was most recently the chief external affairs officer at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. While serving in that role, Holt led the development of a $120 million Opportunity Campus.

"DeVone emerged as someone with the passion and expertise to guide the Center into its next chapter," Lonnie Ali, the Ali Center's co-founder, said in a news release Tuesday. "I'm confident he'll put his talents and dedication toward our success and longevity."

GOODWILL OF KENTUCKY - DEVONE HOLT - 3-26-2024.jpeg — DeVone Holt, the Vice President of External Affairs for Goodwill of Kentucky, calls West Louisville his home. (WDRB Image) March 26, 2024

Holt is a Louisville native and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. He has almost 30 years of experience in public relations, brand management, government affairs, strategic communications and fundraising.

Prior to Goodwill, Holt served as national director of customer engagement for ResCare Workforce Services and special assistant to the superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools.

According to a news release, Holt is the first Louisvillian to be named president and CEO of the Ali Center.

"I grew up in the same community where Muhammad Ali was raised and have a high regard for the six guiding principles that he used to establish his center," Holt said in a news release. "Being entrusted to manage the legacy of my personal hero while simultaneously helping other people pursue greatness is one of the highest honors I could receive. This is my dream job."

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