Arts Center Task Force Hires Renée Adams as First Executive Director

Renée Adams has been hired as the first Executive Director of the Arts Center Task Force, whose mission is to build a performing arts center in the Tri-Cities. Renee’s career has spanned nearly every position in the performing arts including arts manager, dance teacher, and performer.

“Hiring Renée signifies a big step forward in the development of the Arts Center Task Force and its efforts to bring a performing arts center to the Tri-Cities,” said Steven Wiley, Task Force Chairman. “We have had good success working with the arts patrons in this community, but now we need to increase our focus on the entire Tri-Cities community. I’m confident Renée is the right person to lead us in this next phase of our development.”

Adams is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Task Force and serving as its spokesperson and ambassador. She also works with the board to develop and implement strategic plans as well as policies and procedures. Of her new position Adams said, “I am so excited to be part of creating a performing arts center in the Tri-Cities. It's more than just a place to spend an evening or see a show. It's a gathering place that enriches the entire community. Businesses will have an easier time retaining top talent, families will have more options for shared activities... the benefits are endless. I want to see the amount of people engaged in and excited about the arts in the Tri-Cities explode and increase each year. I want a thriving arts center where the seats are packed on any given night because music, dance, and theatre have become the subjects of common conversation. Once that untapped potential is out there for everyone to see, people from all over the state will realize that you don't have to be a big urban area to be a rich cultural and artistic hub."

A native of Eastern Washington, Adams knows that the arts have the capacity to transform communities. Inspired by her early dance training and career as a professional dancer, she has taught and encouraged youth across the country in dance and theatre. The Mid-Columbia Ballet brought Adams on staff in 2016 as Director of Programs and Outreach, where she primarily focuses on outreach program development and support to the Board of Directors. In 2017, she joined the Arts Center Task Force as its administrator and now serves as Executive Director.