Vermont Arts Council lands accomplished new director

Karen S. Mittelman is the new executive director of the Vermont Arts Council.

Mittelman, previously director of the Division of Public Programs at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in Washington, D.C., brings to the Arts Council more than 30 years of experience in the public sector and in the the federal cultural arena.

Beyond her work at NEH, Mittelman held a senior position at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, and served as curator at the Smithsonian Institution.

Bob Stannard, chairman of the Arts Council, said all involved were thrilled that Mittelman accepted the executive director position.

“In a time when federal arts funding is uncertain, it is vital to have an executive director who has significant experience in a national leadership role. Karen brings to this position the knowledge, expertise, and passion required to continue to advance arts and creativity in our state,” Stannard said.

Mittelman also has close ties to Vermont, particularly Bennington County.

“Since childhood, I’ve spent significant stretches of time kayaking on the Battenkill, skiing, walking, and exploring museums and historic sites,” Mittelman explained. “Vermont is a place that I love and feel deeply connected to.”