Last week, the Idaho Falls Symphony announced the appointment of Carrie Athay as their next Executive Director.
"After weeks of hard work by our Symphony Search Committee, and with the support of our friends at BBSI in Idaho Falls, Carrie rose to the top as the unanimous choice among an incredibly talented field," said Jake Durtschi, President, and Dr. Thomas Heuser, Music Director of the Idaho Falls Symphony.
A resident of Idaho Falls and a leader in the thriving non-profit sector, Athay believes in the power of connecting the community through the arts. She most recently served as Director of Curation and Collections at the Museum of Idaho.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Idaho Falls Symphony,” she remarked in a statement. “Through the years, the symphony has grown from its roots to the vibrant, renowned symphony that we experience today. The symphony serves as a significant cultural touchpoint in our community that builds bridges and makes connections. I look forward to working with Dr. Thomas Heuser and the talented team to build even stronger connections and lead the symphony into our next chapter.”
Athay grew up in a family that moved often, traveling and experiencing the arts around the world. She studied Humanities and Anthropology at Brigham Young University and has a master’s degree from George Washington University. Prior to landing in Idaho Falls, she worked for several museums and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, Carrie served as the Director of Curation and Collections for the Museum of Idaho. She has also served on many Boards in the region, including the Idaho Association of Museums, the Idaho Falls Historic Preservation Commission, and the Funland Preservation Committee.
Athay's positive attitude and energy will have an immediate impact on the culture of the Symphony, from donors and audiences to musicians and staff. Her experience with grants, project budgets, team management, and development will be crucial to the growth of the Symphony's impact and audience expansion.
To learn more about the symphony or to give the gift of a donation, visit www.ifsymphony.org.