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 20 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 the City of Asheville’s Public Art & Cultural Commission. Katie also serves on the board of Arts North Carolina, the Buncombe County School Arts Advisory Council, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee.

From performer to educator to fundraiser, Caroline has kept the cultural arts at the forefront of her career. Prior to her relocation to Asheville, Caroline worked for the Museum of New Mexico Foundation as the Director of Leadership Giving for the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Before her time in New Mexico, Caroline served as a professor of music, teaching at various institutions in and around the Piedmont Triad region, including University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Averett University, Greensboro Day School and the Music Academy of North Carolina. Caroline holds a BA in Music from Florida State University, and an MM and DMA in Voice Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Caroline is excited to advocate for, grow and serve the Asheville Arts community.