Arts Council Napa's Kristina Young Named Employee of the Year

Executive Director Kristina Young has been selected 2011 Outstanding Nonprofit Employee of the Year by the and ’s fifth annual Community Awards. 

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,” said Young. “They 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 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 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: , a downtown sculpture tour presented in partnership with Napa’s ; approval of a Public Art Ordinance for the City of Napa; as well as last year’s inaugural 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 the Napa Chamber Edition of Today in the Wine Country on . Presentation of the Awards will be made on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at the  at the “Community Celebration” luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tickets for the luncheon are available for purchase at the Napa Chamber website.

For further information about the Napa Valley Community Awards, contact (707) 226-7455 or visit www.napachamber.org. To find out more about Kristina and Arts Council Napa Valley, visit www.artscouncilnapavalley.org.

From Arts Council Napa Valley.