In 2021, Lewis retired as the executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), a position he held since 2006. Under Ricci’s leadership, the IAC was recognized as a national leader with groundbreaking work in emerging artist development, cultural district development and arts and community engagement strategies and research.

Previously, he was director of the International Jazz Collections at the Lionel Hampton Center at the University of Idaho, where he was also an adjunct faculty member in music, American studies, and arts administration. He also served as director of development for university programs at Penn State University and executive director of the Columbus Area Arts Council. His volunteer service includes positions on the National Assembly of State Arts Agency Board, IU O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Distinguished Alumni Council, IU Herron School of Art and Design Dean's Advisory Board, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts Board, Prosperity Indiana Board, and the Indiana Public Media Community Advisory Board. In 2021 he received a Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Eric Holcomb for his leadership and distinguished service to the people of Indiana.

Lewis received a bachelor's degree from Bucknell University and a master's degree in arts administration from Indiana University.

Lewis Ricci

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