Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia Announces the Passing of President and CEO, Al Najjar

Written By Taylor Gue

Charleston, WV (August 21, 2026) – Al Najjar, President and CEO of the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026.

Al was named President and CEO of the Clay Center in December 2014 and began his service on March 1, 2015. For more than eleven years, he was a vibrant and brilliant leader whose energy, vision, and passion shaped the Clay Center and strengthened its place in our community.

“Those of us fortunate enough to know and work with Al will deeply miss his leadership, friendship, and remarkable spirit,” says Clay Center Board of Directors Chair, Rob Aliff. “His impact on the Clay Center will endure for many years to come.”

“Al was not only a colleague, but he was also a dear friend. It is impossible to put into words how much I and the entire Clay Center staff will miss him,” says Clay Center Chief Operating Officer, Rebecca Gillispie.

Through his oversight, the Clay Center has thrived with countless renovations and expansions, including, but not limited to:

  • Clay2Go Traveling Exhibit

  • Avampato Discovery Museum Renovations for My Town Exhibit, WaterWorks Exhibit, Maier Foundation Music Studio Exhibit, Healthy Me Exhibit

  • Ashton’s Climbing Sculpture

  • Space Lab Exhibit

  • Susan Runyan Maier Sculpture Garden

  • Interactive Art Studio

The Clay Center’s operations will continue through the direct guidance of Rebecca Gillispie and the Board of Directors.

For any questions, contact Taylor Gue, Director of Communications, at (540) 336-0122 or tgue@theclaycenter.org.

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Taylor Gue
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