After several months of an executive search throughout the country, the Sun Valley Center for the Arts has chosen Bill Ryberg as its new executive director. Interim Director John Gaeddert will step down when Ryberg takes the reins at the end of May.
Ryberg will leave his position as development consultant for the Indianapolis Opera Company at the end of May to take his new position at The Center.
Ryberg's appointment comes during difficult financial times. In an interview with the Idaho Mountain Express, he said raising money was and continues to be a challenge for arts organizations around the country.
"You have to stay connected with your customers and patrons and let them know how you have been challenged," he said. "We learn from history to talk to people. Talking with The Center's board members and the volunteers, there are amazing financial resources, so (my job) is not about reinvention, it's what The Center means to the community and their interests."
Ryberg's career in the arts comes after a 13-year tenure in the banking industry. In 1996 he left his position as vice president and regional manager for Key Bank in Washington state to become the executive director of the Bellingham Festival of Music. Since that time he has also held leadership positions with the the Palm Beach Opera, Oregon Symphony and Grand Rapids Symphony.
Ryberg said The Center's planned new facility is a main focus, but creating a realistic construction schedule needs to be considered. He said that in general, The Center appears to be operating very well.
"I was really struck by the diversity of programs and the strength of the marketing materials and the Internet presence," Ryberg said. "I knew a strong professional staff created all this."
"Nothing is broken or needs fixing," he said. "I am going to be the face for the community."
Ryberg said he is looking forward to moving to the area and plans to take up fly fishing, and his wife Evelyn is very excited about year-round ice skating.
"We are open to anything," Ryberg said. "It's a wonderful place to work and live."
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com