End of An Era: Tim Wilson Has Left The Building!
Tim Wilson — our longest-serving Executive Director — departs today after 25-years of service. Tim’s visionary and inclusive leadership and his extensive contributions to WAA and to the field were celebrated at the 2022 WAA Annual Conference awards ceremony in Calgary last month; WAA Board President and Founding Executive Director of Edmonds Center for the Arts, Joe Mclalwain, presented Tim with the Distinguished Service Award — an award now renamed in Tim’s honor.
Then and now; 1997, and at WAA 2022 in Calgary; 2022 image credit: Julie Vincent Photography
Former WAA Board President and Executive Direcor of Tacoma Arts Live, David Fisher, also honored Tim at the conference closing, sharing words of gratitude from a line of former WAA presidents.
In addition to succesfully stewarding WAA through the pandemic, Tim’s legacy includes the development of the Advancing Indigenous Performance (AIP) program, which aims to deepen support for Indigenous performing artists and touring networks and the expansion of global partnerships through programs such as Performing Arts Discovery – an initiative to create international touring opportunities for US artists.
Nadhi Thekkek (left) and Courtney Ozaki (right) give thanks to Tim at the WAA 2022 conference closing; image credit: Julie Vincent Photography
Tim and his WAA Award, with Antonio Gómez (left) and Joe Mclalwain (right); image credit: Julie Vincent Photography
Davis Fischer, 2022 conference closing; image credit: Julie Vincent Photography
Tim’s tenure with WAA officially ended on September 16, although he continues to work with WAA and our new leader, Joshua Heim, to support the transition until the end of this year. The team welcomed Joshua to WAA HQ on September 19.
“I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity, privilege, and honor to serve the Western Arts Alliance board, staff, members, and field these last twenty-five years. What a journey it's been. From my first day to my last, I've been guided and supported by visionary board leadership, talented and dedicated staff, and passionate and engaged members. I am so proud of what we've been able to accomplish together. There have been ups and downs, but WAA has innovation and change encoded in its DNA. We've always found our way forward, evolving to meet the needs of our field and the demands of time…
“I cannot tell you what a relief it is to know that someone of Josh Heim's talent, vision, and experience is succeeding me. As I assume the Executive Director Emeritus's role through the end of December, count on me to do everything I can to onboard, support, and encourage Josh in his new role. Josh, I know you will build on my legacy to lead the organization, conference, and our programs in new and exciting directions. I can't wait to see where the WAA journey takes us next."
- From Tim’s formal resignation letter
Tim at the WAA 2022 conference closing; image credit: Julie Vincent Photography
Josh’s welcome lunch with the WAA team; image credit: Makaveli Gresham
Tim with his wife, Luan, at the WAA 2022 conference closing; image credit: Julie Vincent Photography
“On behalf of the board, search committee, and staff, I want to express immense gratitude and respect for Tim and his dedicated, exceptional leadership of WAA and service to our field. We are particularly grateful for his guidance through the challenges of the past two years... Tim originally planned to step down in 2021 but extended his tenure to support the organization through the pandemic.”
WAA Board President, Joe McIalwain.
As we begin this exciting new chapter in WAA's journey, we invite you to take a moment with us to reflect on 55-years of WAA history — from our genesis as a 10-person convening of Californian presenters, to the West’s largest membership organization of performing arts professionals, serving members from across the United States, Canada, and overseas.
What’s next for Tim? He shared some of his plans in this interview.
And for those of you who haven't had chance to say hello to Joshua: stay tuned! He looks forward to connecting with you.
Press release: Western Arts Alliance Executive Director, Tim Wilson, Steps Down After 25 Years of Service