June 14, 2021 3:25 a.m.

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

Umpqua Valley Arts has announced that Emily Brandt has been selected as its next Executive Director.

Brandt has served as the organizations board president since 2018 and assumed her new leadership role on June 1st. Her appointment comes as the organization prepares to host its 52nd annual Summer Arts Festival the last weekend of June, and celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year.

UVA Board President Kirk Harvey said Brandt brings extensive management and leadership experience and “…we are confident that her commitment and passion for both the arts and community will help move our organization forward at this poignant moment in time”. The release said Brandt will assume the position with a wealth of knowledge about the organization and extensive experience in placemaking and urban design, community building efforts, community relations and project management.

Brandt joins UVA from i.e. Engineering, where she was a Project Manager, Landscape Designer, and Planner since 2014. Along with UVA, Brandt has also served on the boards of Roseburg Sister Cities, Umpqua Community College Foundation, Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity, and the Downtown Roseburg Association.

Brandt replaces Interim Executive Director Sandee McGee, UVA longtime Gallery Director, who assumed the role in June of 2020.

Brandt said she has enjoyed serving on the board of directors for the last four years and is now honored to step into the role of executive director for the organization.