Jefferson operates Kélan Resources, a strategic consulting firm dedicated to integrating the arts, history, education, and cultural competency into the DNA of live program/exhibition production, workshops, and business planning, management, and operations. She is also executive consultant to the Tom & Ethel Bradley Foundation, the International Association of Blacks in Dance, and president of The Museum Group (an association of independent professional consultants).
Equally committed to volunteer service, Jefferson currently serves as a mayoral appointee to the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission; trustee of California Institute of the Arts (Academic & Campus Affairs Advisory Committee Chair; member of the Executive, Finance, and Trustee Nominating Committees); inaugural member of the Los Angeles County Art Commission Cultural Equity & Inclusion Initiative; on the PBS SoCal Media Group Community Advisory Board; and on the advisory board of the LA Chamber Orchestra.
Having successfully held numerous executive positions, Jefferson has amassed a wide range of experience and expertise including in commercial business. Her past for-profit services have included: VP of business affairs for dePasse Entertainment; director of show development and creative resources for Disney Entertainment Productions; corporate board director for Just Toys Inc.; and as an associate attorney for the law firm of Holland & Knight.
Jefferson notes that her current expertise and skills are both derived from her passionate tenures in a variety of roles leading nonprofit and government cultural agencies. After having danced professionally for eight years, she began a new career honing her arts administration skills as a senior dance program specialist at the National Endowment for the Arts. In the following years, she served as deputy and acting commissioner of NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs; executive director and general manager of Dance Theatre of Harlem; and most recently completed 11 years as executive director of the California African American Museum, and simultaneously vice president of its Friends Foundation.
Jefferson also served on numerous public commissions and private nonprofit boards, including the Harlem Empowerment Zone, Arts & Business Council, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival (treasurer), Arts for LA, and eight years as a gubernatorial appointee to the California Arts Council.
