Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Comnick as Executive Director following her successful tenure as Interim Executive Director. A visual artist, educator, curator, and experienced arts administrator, Comnick brings over two decades of arts leadership to this role and becomes the first Executive Director of the organization to hold a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Comnick assumed the interim position in March 2024 during a period of organizational transition. Her steady leadership navigated Creative Flagstaff through a pivotal year that included the 16th annual Viola Awards, the ARTx Art + Ideas Experience, and the international juried exhibition CUMULUS: The Art of Meteorology, all while celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Coconino Center for the Arts (CCA).

Throughout her interim term, Comnick restructured staff roles to reflect evolving priorities, secured increased public funding from the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County, and guided a successful merger of the Creative Flagstaff Board with the CCA Advisory Board. She also led efforts that brought in the three largest individual gifts in the organization’s history, supporting accessibility and theater improvements at CCA.

“Julie’s vision, leadership, and deep commitment to the arts and sciences in Northern Arizona have strengthened Creative Flagstaff’s foundation and expanded its reach,” said Caleb Cordasco, President of Creative Flagstaff’s Board of Directors. “She is a thoughtful and strategic leader who brings people together and inspires bold ideas. We’re thrilled to officially appoint her to Executive Director.”

Comnick originally joined Creative Flagstaff in 2021 as Exhibitions & Programs Director for Coconino Center for the Arts, and previously served as curator for Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest (2018–2022) and exhibiting artist in the landmark Fires of Change exhibition. Her academic leadership includes roles as Arts Foundations Coordinator at Northern Arizona University and Arts & Letters Department Chair at Prescott College. She currently serves on the Flagstaff Tourism Commission and has been a champion for inclusive programming and community-driven philanthropy.

“I’m honored to continue serving Creative Flagstaff and our vibrant arts and cultural community,” said Comnick. “Flagstaff has a unique identity that bridges the arts and sciences, and it’s a privilege to lead an organization that celebrates and amplifies interdisciplinary collaboration.”

Comnick’s appointment marks a new chapter for Creative Flagstaff and Coconino Center for the Arts as it continues to strengthen arts, science, and cultural programming in service to the diverse communities of Northern Arizona.

For more information about upcoming events at Coconino Center for the Arts, visit coconinoarts.org.