Bringing people together through the arts is Katie’s passion, and that is just what she tries to do as the Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council. Along with AAAC’s dedicated Board of Directors, she works to amplify what is happening in Buncombe County’s vibrant arts communities and ensure the continued sustainability and growth of the area's richly diverse cultural sector. Katie has more than 19 years of experience working in the Asheville arts sector and holds a Master’s degree in Arts Leadership & Cultural Management from Colorado State University and a BA in Drama from UNC Asheville. She is the President of the Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina, and the Chair of both the City of Asheville’s Public Art & Cultural Commission and the ArtSpace Charter School Board. Katie also serves on the Buncombe County School Arts Advisory Council, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Business Association Committee, and the BCTDA’s Tourism Partner Organization Committee .

Amy was born in Asheville and moved to California in her 20s. She moved back to Asheville in 2016. While in California she attended California State University and UC Davis. Amy was fortunate to grow-up in an art lovers’ home. Her mom is a painter and sculptor whose work is well known in Southwest Virginia. Her parents are steadfast supporters of the arts both the visual and performing arts and instilled this passion in Amy. Her 20 years of development experience is informed by her work in a wide range of nonprofit organizations where she helped them grow and implemented sustainable and successful fundraising practices. Amy was worked in Higher Education, Youth Development, and Animal rescue. She most recently worked with the Asheville Symphony, fulfilling her dream of working within the arts. Amy lives with her husband Brian, three dogs and a cat.