Cowee School Art and Heritage Center’s Board of Directors welcomed Will Anderson as the next executive director.
Anderson comes to Cowee School with more than 25 years of leadership experience serving as a senior executive in the finance, corporate management, and nonprofit fields.
Most recently, Anderson served five years as the executive director for Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, Kentucky. He previously worked as a CEO in Alaska where he led many economic development projects, while also prioritizing the social and cultural health of the regions he served. He brings a unique blend of business skills combined with a background in the arts and a passion for strengthening and preserving cultural heritage.
“An extensive search for this position was conducted over several months led by a committee selected by the board of directors. It is with great pleasure that I speak for the full board when I welcome Will as our new executive director. Will’s past experiences are a perfect fit with the mission of Cowee School, Arts and Heritage Center,” said Anne Hyder, chair of Cowee’s board.
Anderson earned bachelor’s degrees from Seattle Pacific University where he studied both music and psychology, and Western Washington University where he majored in accounting. He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from WWU and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon.
He previously served as a trustee or board member of numerous nonprofit organizations including Alaska Pacific University, the University of Alaska Foundation, the Koniag Education Foundation, the Alutiiq Heritage Foundation, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Alaska Federation of Natives, and the Beloit Art Center. Born in Kodiak, Alaska Anderson is Alaska Native of Sugpiaq descent.
“I am extremely excited to work for an organization that is part of such a rich and vibrant community. Cowee School has a very active and supportive board of directors, and I can see how its programming is so important to the region. I feel grateful to have been chosen to lead Cowee School,” said Anderson.
