National Cultural Executive To Take The Helm
PITTSFIELD – Berkshire Creative Economy Council has announced the appointment of Liz Thompson as its first President. Thompson's leadership adds energy to Berkshire Creative's already considerable momentum. She begins her guiding role with the organization on April 7, 2008.Thompson will begin her work to fulfill Berkshire Creative's mission of economic development and job growth in the creative sector by concentrating on three top priorities to organize and further engage the Berkshire creative business community; advocate for creative investment and partnership between government, private and not-for-profit sectors and to deepen the Berkshires' brand as a national center for creative industry
Of her new role Thompson said, "I look forward to talking with all who have, over the past two years, contributed to the groundbreaking and thoughtful articulation of a concept that is so essential to the continued evolution of our remarkable county."
Nancy Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Berkshire Creative Economy Council said, in announcing the appointment, "Liz is an experienced executive whose imaginative strategies have resulted in thriving creative enterprises. We're extremely fortunate to have a professional of her caliber taking the helm of Berkshire Creative."
Thompson has been a member of the Berkshire community since 1979 and full time resident of for the past four years. Liz's familiarity with the Berkshires started with her time spent as Executive Director of Jacob's Pillow (1979-1990.) Thompson has extensive experience in and passion for choreography and performance; but of her experience Thompson says, "I no longer choreograph dancers, I choreograph institutions."
Her past positions include Executive Director of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, President of First Night Boston, VP and Director of Next Wave Festival, Brooklyn Academy of Music, NY. Other affiliations include the founding board of Dance/USA and Classical Artists Against AIDS, Friends of Education at the Museum of Modern Art, Executive Committee of Community board, #1 in Lower Manhattan and as a Panelist for National Endowment for the Arts.
"I have been waiting for an exciting challenge", states Thompson, "And this is it!
