Jason Holland of Newport, executive director of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, has been elected chair of the Oregon Arts Commission, the commission announced Monday.

Holland and Jenny Stadler of Portland who was elected vice chair, will lead the nine-member state board, whose members are appointed by the governor and is an arm of the state agency Business Oregon. Holland replaces Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, who spent two years as chair and now is transitioning off the board.

The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts oversees the Newport Performing Arts and Visual Arts Centers. Holland has a background in instrumental and vocal music and theater directing, and also serves on boards including the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County.

“The arts are the heartbeat of Oregon’s communities,” Holland said in the commission’s news announcement. “I am honored to serve alongside Jenny and our fellow Commissioners as we continue to expand access to creative expression and support the vital work of artists and organizations across our state.”