Kristen Chesak

Kristen Chesak serves as the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Cultural Center, impacting over 300 artists and arts organizations while managing an $800,000 operation. In addition, Kristen has contributed as a Guest Lighting Designer for Farmers Alley Theatre and Portage Public Schools and served as a part-time instructor for Lighting and Sound Design at Western Michigan University. Prior experience includes a tenure as Executive Director and Production Manager at Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, overseeing a $2.2 million operation and managing production logistics. Kristen holds an MFA in Performing Arts Administration from Western Michigan University and a BA in Theatre Arts and Communication from Kalamazoo College.