NAPA, California (April 8, 2011) – Arts Council Napa Valley Executive Director Kristina Young has been selected 2011 Outstanding Nonprofit Employee of the Year by the Napa Chamber of Commerce and Mechanics Bank's fifth annual Community Awards Celebration. Young, an arts administrator with a background in visual arts and creative education, was appointed Executive Director in 2010. Through a spirited year of redevelopment, Arts Council Napa Valley’s (ACNV) role in the local community has been strengthened through her leadership. "I am honored to receive this recognition and share it with the rest of our amazing staff and board, all of whom have given so much support this past year to the organization and to me personally."
Young's decade-long post with Arts Council Napa Valley has transitioned from Program Manager to Executive Director, with the arts sector as her biggest source of encouragement. "Arts Council Napa Valley is fortunate to have someone with Kristina's passion, commitment and deep knowledge of the community at the helm," said Kathryn Reasoner, Executive Director of di Rosa and ACNV Partner.
In an effort to link the arts with innovative programming, Young oversaw the launch of several new ACNV programs and initiatives including: Napa ARTwalk, a downtown sculpture tour presented in partnership with Napa's Redevelopment Agency; approval of a Public Art Ordinance for the City of Napa; as well as last year's inaugural Napa Valley ARTS 2010 celebration. "She is truly a gem," explained Jennifer LaLiberte, Napa Redevelopment Agency Director . "As a partner [with Arts Council Napa Valley] for the inaugural year of Napa ARTwalk, we discovered that not only does Kristina have amazing creative talent—she is also an excellent project manager and communicator."
Each year, the Napa Chamber Foundation and Mechanics Bank Napa Valley Community Awards recognize local community leaders, individuals and businesses for their outstanding leadership, contributions and/or achievements toward the betterment of the communities of Napa Valley. Upon nomination, candidates are reviewed and selected by a panel of volunteers from the Napa Chamber Foundation and The Mechanics Bank.
Awardees were announced on Friday, April 8, 2011 on the Napa Chamber Edition of Today in the Wine Country on KVON 1440AM. Presentation of the Awards will be made on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa at the "Community Celebration" luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Reservation and ticketing information is available at www.napachamber.org. For further information about the Napa Valley Community Awards, contact the Napa Chamber at (707) 226-7455.
To find out more about Kristina, and Arts Council Napa Valley’s mission and current programs, visit www.artscouncilnapavalley.org.
