The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today announced the hiring of Tanya Gertz as its new vice president of programming and community impact. With more than two decades of experience working in the performing arts, Gertz will lead programming efforts for the Ordway Presents series and the Flint Hills Family Festival. She will also lead the Ordway’s education and community engagement team responsible for reaching 45,000 students annually through diverse and relevant programming.
“I have admired the Ordway my entire career, as its commitment to excellence and making the performing arts accessible to all is recognized globally,” said Gertz. “I am honored to join this reputable team and help advance the Ordway’s mission of connecting people to the arts, making an impact and creating joy in our communities.”
For the past six years, Gertz has served as the Executive Director of Fine Arts at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University where she oversaw multi-disciplinary artistic curation and community integration initiatives for five venues and two galleries in Central Minnesota with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to that, Gertz spent 11 years as the Director of Campus Programming at Luther College in Iowa.
“We are thrilled to have Tanya join the Ordway team,” said Chris Harrington, president and CEO of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. “She is an intentional leader with a proven track record and deep understanding of the arts and culture ecosystem. Her breadth of experience, commitment to making an impact, and inclusive vision will bring tremendous value for the Ordway and the communities we serve.”