Muhammad Ali Center names new president and CEO

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Muhammad Ali Center board of directors has named Louisville native DeVone Holt its next president and CEO. 

Holt brings nearly 30 years of experience in public relations, brand management, government affairs, strategic communications and fundraising, the center said. He is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and becomes the first Louisvillian to serve as CEO and president of the center. 

The center said its board of directors hired Holt after a rigorous vetting process and a recommendation from the center's selection committee. 

“DeVone emerged as someone with the passion and expertise to guide the center into its next chapter,” said Ali Center Co-Founder and Lifetime Member Lonnie Ali. “I’m confident he’ll put his talents and dedication toward our success and longevity.” 

Holt most recently served as chief external affairs officer at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. Within his five-year tenure, he helped develop a $120 million Opportunity Campus in one of Louisville’s most under-resourced communities, which spans 20 acres, includes a $50 million, 125,000 square-foot resource center and has Louisville's first inner-city hospital in more than 150 years.

He was also superintendent of Kentucky’s first high school for adults, which Goodwill opened in 2022 after a multi-year legislative lobbying and fundraising campaign. In addition, he was responsible for the nonprofit’s marketing, communications, public relations, fundraising and government affairs.

Previously, he was national director of customer engagement for ResCare Workforce Services and special assistant to the superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools.

“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. “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.” 

While serving as the West Louisville economic development director for Louisville’s chamber of commerce, Holt’s work helped create approximately $400 million in new business investments and more than 1,000 new jobs for the city’s inner-city community, the center said. He was also lead host of the “Saturday Morning Solutions” radio show for 10 years and authored the book, “Hip Hop Slop: The Impact of Dysfunctional Culture.” 

“We’re looking forward to getting DeVone’s tenure underway and working closely together,” said Ingrid Gentry, co-chair of the board of directors. “The board is excited about this addition and where the center is headed.” 

Holt replaces Marilyn Jackson, who left the Muhammad Ali Center earlier this year to serve as president and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums.