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Molly Fortune is the current CEO of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250), where she leads a team of four full-time employees and collaborates closely with commissioners to ensure a meaningful and inclusive commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Under her leadership, SC250 has established county-level committees in all 46 counties, developed a strategic budget that has delivered over $7 million in grants to local communities, and brought renewed attention to South Carolina’s vital—yet often overlooked—role in the American Revolution. Her work highlights the contributions of women, children, free and enslaved Africans, Native Americans, and Loyalists in securing independence for the colonies.
Prior to joining SC250 in 2022, Molly served as Executive Director of the world-renowned Newberry Opera House. Under her leadership, the Opera House hosted more than 150 events annually, significantly impacting downtown Newberry's cultural and economic vitality. Her tenure included co-creating Eclipsefest during the 2017 total solar eclipse which brought over 65,000 people to Newberry County, hosting a Smithsonian traveling exhibit, and launching a summer Astronaut Camp.
Previously, she served as Director of Restoration and Operations at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. There, she was instrumental in developing and launching the Fox Theatre Institute, a national outreach and consulting division, where she also served as Director in addition to her other post.
Earlier in her career, Molly worked for the U.S. Department of Defense as a Cultural Resource Specialist in Historic Preservation and Programming for two Southeastern military installations. She also consulted on preservation projects at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Molly holds a BFA in Interior Design with a minor in Physics from Converse College and an MFA in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design, graduating Summa Cum Laude with Distinction.
She has held numerous leadership roles in the field of preservation and performing arts, most notably serving as Chairman of the Board and a long-time Board Member of the League of Historic American Theatres. She also served on the Board of Advisors for the Savannah College of Art and Design, is a recognized member of Women of Influence in Venue Operations (IAVM) and holds leadership roles in other professional facilities organizations. Molly is an active mentor, peer reviewer, and sought-after speaker on the economic and cultural value of historic buildings and their stories.
She is married to LTC (Ret.) Christopher Kemper and is the proud mother of two daughters and has three dogs.