Arts Services Inc. (ASI) is proud to announce the 10 selected participants for the 2025 MEDAL (Molding Executives and Directors into Arts Leaders) Program!
This year’s cohort represents a dynamic cross-section of the Western New York arts and culture sector. These leaders come from across the region—spanning multiple counties, disciplines, and stages in their careers—but all share a resounding passion for advancing the arts in WNY. Now more than ever, bold, informed leadership is critical for the vitality of our sector.
Over the next six months, these participants will engage in immersive leadership development, guided mentorship, and in-depth workshops focused on nonprofit governance, HR, fundraising, and more. The MEDAL program remains the only initiative of its kind in WNY specifically designed to support and elevate nonprofit arts and cultural leaders.
Meet the 2025 MEDALists:
- Bronwen Battaglia, Director of Operations & Marketing, Neglia Ballet
- Emma Brittain-Hardy, Executive Director, Locust Street Art
- Parrish Gibbons, Deputy Executive Director, Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center
- Adrienne Hill, Executive Director, Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project
- Olivia Knauss, Director of Development, The Roycroft Campus Corporation
- James Lester, Executive Director, Niagara History Center
- Lisa Ludwig, Executive Director, Shakespeare in Delaware Park
- Spencer Morgan, Executive Director, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
- Wendy Skinner, Executive Director, The Fountain Arts Center
- Tamara Zantell, Director of Business Development and Incubation, The Foundry
Please join us in congratulating these 10 exceptional individuals as they embark on this journey of leadership, growth, and creative stewardship. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in WNY and beyond.
