By Tracey Drury – Reporter, Buffalo Business First
Dec 18, 2017, 12:05pm
While a search continues for a permanent leader at the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York, board members have appointed Jennifer Swan to interim executive director for a six-month period.
Swan, who has served as associate director for a half dozen years, will work with the board to begin a strategic planning process through first quarter, bringing it to the point where the new executive director can have a part in the process.
“As we go into 2018 and beyond at ASI, we’re looking at what we have done and what really fits our core mission,” she said. “One of the things we keep hitting on with strategic planning is how we’re serving the arts community, and what all of those organizations are producing. We don’t want to duplicate that.”
The process could lead to more professional development, technical assistance and other service offerings, leaving more arts production to the artists and cultural organizations, she said.
Swan, who confirmed she has applied for the permanent post, takes the job previously held by Tod Kniazuk, who announced in August he was leaving ASI after six years to join the consulting firm of Ted Pietzrak and Associates, led by the former CEO of the Burchfield Penney Art Center.
Swan previously served as grants coordinator and manager at ASI, in addition to various other leadership roles. ASI Board President Randall Kramer said Swan will help guide the organization as it builds up its services and operations in the field.
The organization, which operates on a budget of about $625,000, also welcomed two new board members: Lucille Dadd, major gifts officer at the University at Buffalo School of Law; and David Wedekindt, director of marketing at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts.
