The Sun Valley Center for the Arts in Ketchum has announced a major change in its leadership. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, Executive Director Bill Ryberg left his post and was replaced by two in-house co-directors, Kristin Poole and Sally Boettger.
Board Chair Tod Hamachek said Poole and Boettger will lead The Center's daily operations, including financial oversight, program development and implementation, and community outreach. Poole will continue to serve as The Center's artistic director and Boettger will continue to serve as development director.
Hamachek said Ryberg stepped down to join his wife in Seattle, and plans to launch a business as an arts and nonprofit consultant.
"Bill had been commuting back and forth," Hamachek said. "It was not easy. He said his marriage is number one, and it was important for him to be with his wife, Evelyn."
Hamachek said Ryberg's decision gave The Center an opportunity to offer Poole and Boettger the position as co-directors.
"Kristin and Sally are extraordinarily capable of doing a great job running The Center," he said. "The Center programs and membership have hit a new plateau due to these women."
Hamachek said other organizations in the community have gone through difficult leadership and financial hardships.
"We are very blessed," he said. "Every other art institution in the country is not where they want to be. The last two years have been devastating to everyone."
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Poole said finding a suitable sole executive director for The Center would have taken time, and was not necessary because all the elements needed to run the organization already existed among the current staff.
"We could not conceive of this if we didn't have an amazing staff and board members we can hold hands with," she said. "It makes sense."
Poole said she and Boettger have already worked together and know the institution deeply.
"We will save resources from this decision," she said. "We will distribute savings in the form of bonuses to the staff. [But] it is important for everyone to know that savings was not a driver in this decision."
Hamachek said Poole and Boettger will make a difference in The Center's campaign to raise money for its planned new headquarters.
"The Center's board will be involved in the capital campaign," he said. "The board is asking all its members to call everyone and network."
Poole and Boettger agreed that the capital campaign is first on their list.
"We are excited about heading toward breaking ground for the new facility," Boettger said. "We are quietly gathering commitments."
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
