An Artist-Centered Leadership Transition

Springboard for the Arts is an organization led by artists, for artists—which means we’re skilled at wearing many hats. From making music and juggling fire (!) to building relationships and navigating change together, artists bring creativity, collaboration, and care to the work of leading our organization through a leadership transition.

As former Executive Director Laura Zabel begins a new chapter with the Creative Change Coalition, Springboard’s board and staff have been working together to ensure a smooth and intentional transition process. 

Amanda Kaler and William Pierce II are serving as Springboard’s Interim Co-Executive Directors until the organization’s next Executive Director is in place. Together, Amanda and William bring complementary strengths in programming, fundraising, external relations, finance, and organizational operations, ensuring continuity across all aspects of Springboard’s work.

Amanda Kaler brings more than 18 years of experience in development, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership to Springboard for the Arts. Since joining Springboard in 2022, Amanda has led the organization’s strategic fundraising and communications efforts. Prior to Springboard, she spent nearly nine years at Minnesota Center for Book Arts, including serving in an interim leadership role during a period of organizational transition. Amanda holds dual master’s degrees in Nonprofit Management and Arts Administration from the University of Oregon and is a graduate of the Rockwood Leadership Institute. She currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center. Amanda’s creative background spans the book arts and circus arts, and these days she can often be found delivering fire-juggling telegrams under the moniker Pyroette.

William Pierce II has overseen Springboard’s financial and administrative operations to support the sustainability of our programming, artist-led projects, and organizational health since joining the organization in 2023. William holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with accounting and nonprofit financial management certifications. He also has over 15 years of leadership experience in various management roles. William believes that great organizations start with great people and is passionate about mentoring, motivating, and developing future leaders. William has been a performing musician, songwriter, and music producer in the Twin Cities for over 20 years. He played keyboards and bass guitar at local venues, improv theaters, and houses of worship with some of the metro area’s prominent musicians, singers, and actors.

“William and Amanda bring deep experience, thoughtful leadership, and a genuine commitment to Springboard’s mission. The Board has full confidence in their collaborative partnership, and we are grateful to have them guiding Springboard through this transition with care, creativity, and purpose.”

– Sarah Swedburg, President of Springboard’s Board of Directors

Illustration by Minnesota-based artist Sophie Wang.