Glockner Nominated As New Pittsfield Cultural Director
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| Jennifer Glockner |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jennifer Glockner has been nominated as the next director of cultural development.
Mayor Daniel Bianchi announced that a search committee is nominating Glockner to take over for Megan Whilden, who left for a position with Berkshire Community College. Glockner's nomination needs to be approved by the City Council on June 10.
"Finding a match for the position was not an easy task. Megan [Whilden], the past director of cultural development, brought unique creativity to Pittsfield. While having a background in business and marketing was important for the new director, it was absolutely crucial for the future success of the arts and cultural initiatives in the city, that we found a person well-versed in both arts and cultural development, and who understands the important business that the arts plays in our region," Bianchi said in a prepared statement released Wednesday.
Glockner is currently the city's tourism coordinator where she currently works with the cultural development office, visitor's center, RSVP, the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts and the Berkshire Visitors Bureau.
She has previously worked for the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Winstanley Associates and the Berkshire Eagle.
The search committee consisted of Mike Taylor, personnel technician for the city, Peter Lafayette, of Downtown Pittsfield Inc., Andy Kelly, chair of the cultural development board, and Mary Rentz, president of the Berkshire Art Association.
"Jen is an excellent communicator, a skilled writer with personal warmth and charisma. She works well with others, as a leader and as a member of a team," Rentz said in a statement.
The position headed the Department of Cultural Development, which was created in 2005 by then Mayor James Ruberto. In that position, Whilden has been credited with being the driving force behind an art economy in the city. The most notable accomplishment out of that office was the creation of the Third Thursday street fairs.
Bianchi added the position needs to focus on "partnering with area businesses and successfully managing events."
"I was pleased when the search committee unanimously recommended Jennifer for the position. We had strong candidates; however, her experience in working with arts and culture in the Berkshires was unmatched," Bianchi said.
Tags: appointments, cultural economy, tourism,
