The RiverArts Board is excited to announce the selection of Andy Goddard as RiverArts’ new Executive Director to replace Jodi Bortz, who announced her resignation in December. Mary Jo McCulloch, RiverArts’ Board President, shared how thrilled she is to have Andy join RiverArts. “Andy is a wonderful choice as RiverArts’ next Executive Director, because she has expertise in running a business, excellent organizational skills, demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, deep knowledge of this community and a remarkable capacity to galvanize effective partnerships.”
Well known as the owner of Andy’s restaurant, bar and music venue for over 20 years, Goddard currently serves as Events Coordinator for the Garfield Center for the Arts. Chestertown RiverArts is a member-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to engaging our community in the creation, appreciation, and support of the arts. We are a dynamic group of artists, art lovers, and people who believe the arts enrich us all, both as individuals and as a community. Through programming for children and adults, exhibitions, classes, and more, we strive to excite the creative spark in everyone. Andy shared, “I am thrilled to be working with such a vibrant, visionary organization as RiverArts, and I look forward to adding my interest in music to the RiverArts community.”
Andy says she fell in love with the Eastern Shore when she arrived to attend Washington College and, aside from five years in Baltimore, has called Kent County home for over 30 years. In 1987 she returned to Chestertown and opened Andy’s, a restaurant, bar and music venue, with a mission to create a comfortable atmosphere in which to listen to original live music. It quickly became a desirable stop on the east coast acoustic music circuit, attracting regional and national acts, as well as becoming one of the town’s social centers.
After closing the business in 2009, Andy turned her focus to two other passions: promoting sustainability and all things local – especially local foods. She is a member of the Chestertown Environmental Committee, and has organized farm to table dinners and various local food events, including the popular Taste of the Town. She also served as Associate Publisher & Editor of the Chestertown SPY.
She currently serves as Events Coordinator for the Garfield Center for the Arts, and has been instrumental in organizing many events at Garfield including creating the popular Blues at the Garfield series.
Jayne Heckles says
Congratulation Andy! Chestertown and River Arts is lucky to have you. I know you will be very effective in this position. I look forward to River Arts becoming even more amazing. Good luck
Marty Stetson says
Excellent choice. They forgot to add splendid canoe paddler to her resume. I have spent a number of days with her paddling kids on the Sassafras River at Turners Creek; assisting Wane Gilchrest in his outdoor education program. That is just another example of Andy’s wide spread interest in helping the community. She will bring a unique change to River Arts but still building on what they all ready offer. Again the Board made an excellent choice.
Nancy McGuire says
How incredibly fortunate for RiverArts, Chestertown, artists, Kent County and the Arts in general.