David C. Howse

David C. Howse serves as the 10th president of California College of the Arts (CCA), overseeing all academic, administrative, and financial aspects of the institution. With over two decades of experience leading arts organizations within educational settings, he brings expertise in strategic visioning, fundraising, and community engagement. Prior to joining CCA in December 2023, Howse held key leadership positions at Emerson College in Boston as Vice President of the Office of the Arts and Executive Director of ArtsEmerson.

Howse's professional focus spans arts administration, organizational strategy, and community engagement. His background in performing arts (holding an MA in Vocal Performance) informs his leadership approach across artistic disciplines. He has demonstrated exceptional fundraising capabilities, securing over $40 million for Emerson College and establishing innovative initiatives like the Gaining Ground Fund with a $3 million artistic risk capital component to support Black American theater artists. His strategic vision emphasizes strengthening institutional visibility and community connections, particularly through CCA's campus expansion project 'Double Ground' in San Francisco.

President Howse has received significant recognition including the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government in November 2023. He serves on multiple prestigious boards including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; The Boston Symphony Orchestra; and The Norman Rockwell Museum. His leadership philosophy centers on principles of empathy, accountability, integrity, continuous learning, and grace, with a structured transition plan focusing first on listening and learning, then reflection and strategic planning, and finally crafting aligned priorities for CCA's future.