Dr. Dexter D. Evans serves as Deputy Director of Strategy & Advancement at the National Museum of African American Music, where he leads fundraising, marketing, K-12 education, community engagement, and artist programming to advance NMAAM’s mission as the premier destination for African American music heritage.

Under his leadership, the museum has sustained transformative partnerships with corporations like Amazon, Nissan, and Pepsi while establishing celebrity engagement protocols that brought A-list artists including 50 Cent, Jon Batiste, and George Clinton to NMAAM.

As a transformational philanthropy executive, Dr. Evans has generated $25MM+ across cultural and educational institutions through innovative advancement strategies. His proven achievements include creating NMAAM’s “Where Legends Live Forever” tagline and brand strategy. He was recognized as Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2024 and NFocus Magazine’s Fresh Faces of Philanthropy in 2026. His artistic foundation as a former saxophone player, drum major, lyricist, and stage performer provides authentic cultural authority for building relationships with recording artists and industry professionals.

Dr. Evans’ journey from Muskegon Heights, Michigan to becoming the first Paul Quinn College graduate at an Ivy League institution reflects his commitment to empowering communities through servant leadership. In May 2026, he earned his Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership from Indiana University as a member of the program’s inaugural cohort, combining academic rigor with authentic passion for preserving African American musical traditions that drives NMAAM’s national cultural impact.