LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville native and Eastern Kentucky University graduate is the new president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center.
The Muhammad Ali Center board of directors announced Tuesday DeVone Holt was recently named its president and CEO. He is bringing nearly 30 years of experience in public relations, brand management, government affairs, strategic communications and fundraising to the Ali Center.
Most recently, Holt was the Chief External Affairs Officer at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. During his five years at Goodwill, Holt helped to develop the $120 million Opportunity Campus in west Louisville.
“DeVone emerged as someone with the passion and expertise to guide the Center into its next chapter,” Ali Center Co-Founder and Lifetime Member Lonnie Ali said. “I’m confident he’ll put his talents and dedication toward our success and longevity.”
At Goodwill, he was responsible for the nonprofit organization’s marketing, communications, public relations, fundraising and government affairs. He also served as Superintendent of Kentucky’s very first high school for adults, which Goodwill opened in 2022.
Before the Ali Center and Goodwill, Holt served as the 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.”
Holt was hired by the Muhammad Ali Center board of directors after a rigorous vetting process and a recommendation from the center’s selection committee, according to an Ali Center news release. He is the first Louisvillian to be named president and CEO of the Ali Center.
“Just as Muhammad said, 'Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,' DeVone understands the Ali Center's role in service to the Louisville community, to the world and to furthering Muhammad's legacy as a champion of peace and justice for all people ”Nicole Yates, Molina Healthcare AVP and leader of the Muhammad Ali Center selection committee, said. “I was proud to serve as chair of the transition team that recommended this outstanding leader whose vision, passion and dedication will lead the Ali Center forward and upward."
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