New President and Chief Executive Officer

October 9, 2018

Posted In: Anderson Ranch General

Anderson Ranch Arts Center Welcomes New President & Chief Executive Officer

Peter Waanders at Anderson Ranch Arts Center 2017 Recognition Dinner

Anderson Ranch Arts Center, a premier destination for art making and critical dialog in the contemporary art world, welcomes Peter Waanders who will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. His first day in the office will be January 15, 2019. Also in early 2019, Waanders will head the charge in hiring a new role at Anderson Ranch, a Curator-in-Residence who will work alongside him to further the Ranch’s mission of art, inspiration and community.

 Waanders comes to the Ranch from the Aspen Institute, where he was the Director for the Society of Fellows starting in 2011. He oversaw the organization’s strategic planning, management and programming curation during a period of rapid growth and the expansion to year-round programing in major cities around the United States. Waanders worked with trustees and volunteers to launch the highly successful young donor program and expanded intimate offerings for top-level donor groups. Waanders coordinated major gifts for Institute programs ranging from endowed scholarships, youth initiatives and major art acquisitions to legacy giving.

Waanders has a unique combination of business and nonprofit experience. He owned both independent bookstores and was a partner in David Floria Gallery before joining the Institute.

 He is active in the Roaring Fork Valley community, having served as president of both the Aspen Young Professional Association and the Rotary Club of Aspen. He currently serves on the board of The Buddy Program and is active in Christ Episcopal Church. Waanders is married to Jennifer Causing and has two young children.

What People Are Saying About Peter

“I have known Peter Waanders for years through the Aspen Institute. He is a consummate leader, with a quiet intelligence that will enable Anderson Ranch Arts Center to take center stage. Having worked with the Institute and the Ranch over the years, I am confident that Peter has a keen understanding of both the business and artistic sides. This new President and Chief Executive Officer role complements his intellectual and artistic curiosity. Additionally, partnering with a Curator-in-Residence is the best of both worlds as he works with the Board  on attracting a well-known established curator. Peter will support the Ranch in its continued growth and will also work with the outstanding staff to gain wider recognition of the Ranch’s mission of art, inspiration and community. I have great admiration for Peter as a friend and colleague from my years at the Institute and I am delighted to continue to work with him at Anderson Ranch.” -Ann Korologos, former Board Chair of The Aspen Institute and Current Board of Trustee Member, Anderson Ranch Arts Center

“I am looking forward to working with Peter to ensure a smooth transition as he takes the helm of this organization. Anderson Ranch Arts Center has a 53-year history of art, inspiration and community and Peter’s professional background is a perfect fit to further the Ranch’s mission. We are excited about what the future holds and welcome him to the Ranch with great enthusiasm!” -Andrea Wallace, Director of Programs and Artistic Director, Photography and New Media, Anderson Ranch Arts Center

To read the memo from Anderson Ranch Board Chair Sue Hostetler, click here.