Change is not easy. It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the retirement of Arts & Humanities Bainbridge’s Executive Director, Anne Smart. After 11 years at AHB and five years in this role, her last day will be May 26, 2021. Her immense contribution to this community will always be valued and remembered – including bringing us this arts and culture portal, Currents; spearheading the public art program along with the Public Art Committee; and most recently, collaborating with the community to certify Bainbridge Island as a Creative District. Her hard work, dedication, and passion are worthy of admiration and will be greatly missed. WATCH ANNE’S RETIREMENT CELEBRATION HERE.

Filling Anne’s shoes is an impossible task but we’re pleased to announce the appointment of Inez Maubane Jones as AHB’s new Executive Director as of May 1, 2021. Inez may be known to some, as she’s served as AHB’s Outreach Manager for the past two years. She helped launch Currents; co-ordinate the Currents Editorial Board including creating and curating content; collaborate with cultural partners; and manage the arts ed program. Inez co-founded and ran a communications company, operated a national program focused on brand marketing in South Africa, is a contributing writer for Tokyo Business Today, and author of a children’s book series. She’s excited to inspire further engagement with arts and culture in our community.

AHB is pleased to introduce Alisa Steck who will be our Communications Manager. She’ll be taking over Inez’s role and will begin on May 17, 2021. Alisa previously served as the Grant Writer for AHB, where she was responsible for fundraising initiatives and project management. She is currently helping to lead the efforts of creating a Certified Creative District for Bainbridge Island, requiring the coordination of a diverse volunteer community planning team. Also a photographer, her focus is on capturing the beautiful waterways of the Puget Sound region, vineyards and small farms.

To complete AHB’s team, Asa Rabin will continue on as Multimedia and Content Manager. Asa has been instrumental in redesigning AHB’s website, creating audiovisual content for all our pillars (Currents, public art, arts ed), including some graphics for the Certified Creative District, and managing the Art Marketplace. He’s been with AHB for close to two years.