Bringing people together through the arts is Katie’s passion, and that is just what she tries to do as the Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council. Along with AAAC’s dedicated Board of Directors, she works to amplify what is happening in Buncombe County’s vibrant arts communities and ensure the continued sustainability and growth of the area's richly diverse cultural sector. Katie has more than 20 years of experience working in the Asheville arts sector and holds a Master’s degree in Arts Leadership & Cultural Management from Colorado State University and a BA in Drama from UNC Asheville. She is the President of the Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina, and the Chair of the City of Asheville’s Public Art & Cultural Commission. Katie also serves on the board of Arts North Carolina, the Buncombe County School Arts Advisory Council, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee.

From the studio stages of Los Angeles to theatres and event venues all over the country Hannah has spent her career committed to telling stories and building community. Prior to becoming the Assistant Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council she worked as a film/tv actress, a media producer/editor, and served as the Executive Director of the Henderson County Arts Council. She is thrilled to work alongside Katie Cornell to tell the story of the Asheville Area Arts community and to continue her work advocating for the Arts in Western North Carolina. She earned her BFA in Acting from Missouri State University and Theatre Academy London. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina.