Marian Holt McLain became the first Executive Director of Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, on July 1. The announcement was made by board president Susan Levy announced at the organization’s annual meeting June 18.

Former gallery director Janice Shaw will continue on with BAC as artistic director. Pat Sprouse will be retail gallery manager.

“I believe strongly in partnerships,” McLain said, setting the tone for her management style. Cooperation among community, business, and city organizations to improve communication, efficiency, and effectiveness for all is her goal.

The board decided earlier this year to separate administrative and marketing functions from artistic activities. McLain assisted the board as a consultant in its administrative re-organization of BAC.

McLain has extensive experience in running large community-oriented organizations. She was president and CEO of the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau from 1989 to 2000. During that time, San Jose’s tourism industry grew from a $550 million business to a $1 billion business while the bureau doubled its staffing and tripled its budget.

Prior to 1989, she was with the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle for 4 years during the planning, building, and opening stages.

A native of Western Washington, McLain graduated from the University of Washington. She entered the marketing and tourism field as a receptionist for the Seattle-King County Visitors Bureau, eventually becoming vice president for marketing.

McLain has been a resident of Bainbridge Island since 1996, commuting weekly to San Jose until last year. With her new position at BAC, she cuts her round-trip week-end commute from approximately 1600 air miles to eight scenic, tree-lined land miles, a loss she is not complaining about.

The mission of Bainbridge Arts and Crafts is to advance creative achievement in fine craft and art, support the development of local and regional artists, provide educational opportunities, and fund visual art programs in the schools.