Appointments continue connections to business and cultural sector
At a recent board of directors meeting, Arts Services Initiative of Western New York appointed an interim executive director and two new directors:
- Jen Swan - interim executive director, Arts Services Initiative of Western New York
- Lucille Dadd - major gifts officer, University at Buffalo School of Law
- David Wedekindt - director of marketing, Center for the Arts - University at Buffalo
Swan has been with ASI as its associate director since 2011. She has been appointed the interim executive director as the organization searches for a permanent executive director.
Randall Kramer, ASI board chairman, said, "At this transitional time for ASI, we are very fortunate to have someone with Jen Swan's acumen and experience to lead our organization. We look forward to Jen guiding ASI as we build up our services and operations to the field."
Swan has served as the grants coordinator and manager for the past six years, in addition to various other leadership roles, and will use her connections and knowledge of the organization's history to lead the way through 2018.
Dadd has an extensive background in both development and law, serving as the major gifts officer at UB School of Law since 2014 and being a partner at the Dadd Law Office four years.
"ASI has worked with Lucy previously through her involvement with the annual 'Lawyers for the Arts' event, which raises funds for ASI's 'Give for Greatness' program, and we are happy to now have her as a director, which will expand her capacity with us," Swan said.
Wedekindt has been involved with a variety of arts organizations, including as director of marketing for UB's Center for the Arts and past associate director of development for Shea's Performing Arts Center.
Swan said, "Dave has also been involved with Arts Services previously, as he serves annually on our DEC grant review panels and provides much insight to grant applications and for up-and-coming arts and cultural organizations in the region."
ASI continues its strategic planning process moving into 2018.