RELEASE: Emily Sullivan Promoted to Executive Director for Awakening Minds Art
Originally posted 12/12/2022
(FINDLAY, OHIO – December 12, 2022) – Awakening Minds Art is proud to announce the promotion of Emily Sullivan to executive director. Sullivan joined the organization in early 2017 as an instructor and quickly rose to the development director position where she worked closely with Sarah Crisp-Ricker, founder, and former executive director. Sullivan came to the organization with 5 years of experience teaching in higher education for the visual arts, and a background in grant writing and curriculum development.
“I am so excited and honored to have the opportunity of becoming AMA’s next executive director!" says Sullivan. "I’ve experienced the extraordinary power of art, and it’s been truly amazing to see others discover the joy, confidence, and potential that comes with Awakening Minds Art classes. I look forward to my roles of leading our talented team of instructors, ensuring AMA is a devoted part of this community, and advocating for the success of our students of all ages and abilities.”
As executive director, Sullivan will manage the day-to-day activities of the organization as well as manage the instructors, volunteers, cultivate relationships in the community, and report directly to the board of directors who have recently established a strategic plan for 2023. Sullivan’s position as executive director is instrumental in executing the new strategic plan, and the board of directors is confident in her decision-making and skillset to complete the tasks at hand.
The position of executive director has been left vacant after the complete staff layoff during the pandemic in early 2020. The board of directors, including Crisp-Ricker, has been running the organization at a volunteer level while slowly adding administration hours to Sullivan’s workload. With programming nearly back to full capacity and additional instructors hired, the board felt it was time to bring the executive director position back. Sullivan’s commitment through the years and her previous role with the organization makes her the perfect fit for the job.
“There isn’t a better fit for this position, and I’m excited to see where Emily can take this organization!" says Sarah Crisp-Ricker, founder and former Executive Director, now current board Vice-President. "Her fresh ideas, dedication, and passion for the organization has me feeling confident in the success of the organization. I will continue to serve as Vice-President of the board and work closely with Emily during her transition and beyond. Emily and I have always made a great team, and this organization is lucky to have her!”
Join us in congratulating Emily by emailing Emily@awakeningmindsart.org