Colleen Ryan

Colleen Ryan, President of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, has been named chairperson of the Culture Works 2011-12 Campaign for the Arts. 

“I am thrilled to be serving as the Chair of the Culture Works Campaign,” says Ryan. “I know how valuable the arts in our community are to me personally and also how valuable they are to attracting the types of people and businesses that will ensure that we are a thriving and vibrant region.  But the arts are struggling in this economy, and I want to do my part to raise awareness about the vital role that Culture Works plays in ensuring our arts organizations continue to be able to provide the significant entertainment and educational programs they do so well.”

As President of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Ryan serves as the “face of Vectren” in the 17 counties Vectren serves in southwest Ohio.  Ryan has 28 years of executive management and leadership experience at all levels, including 26 years in various leadership positions in the United States Air Force, culminating in her role as commander at Wright Patterson Air Force Base from 2006-2008.  Prior to joining Vectren, she served as Vice President, Aerospace and Defense for the Dayton Development Coalition, where she was responsible for strengthening connections between community, business, industry, and recruiting aerospace and aerospace-related businesses. 

Ryan is also active in the Dayton region as a volunteer, serving as a board member of The Dayton Foundation, Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services, Antioch University Midwest, United Way of Greater Dayton Area, Vectren Dayton Air Show, and Dayton Racquet Club Board of Advisors.

“We are very pleased to have an individual so recognized for regional advocacy and community service providing leadership for the 2011-12 Campaign,” said Alan Schaeffer, chair of the Culture Works Board of Trustees. “The Board looks forward to working with Colleen, and supporting her efforts 100 percent.”

Culture Works’ Annual Campaign for the Arts provides the largest single source of private funding for arts and culture in Dayton.  In addition to the support of corporations, foundations, and individuals, Culture Works also conducts a workplace giving campaign with the support of area businesses.  Money raised through the Campaign is provided to seven major constituent arts organizations including: Cityfolk, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, The Human Race Theatre Company, and Muse Machine.  Culture Works also provides funding for smaller arts groups such as the Bach Society of Dayton, K12 Gallery for Young People, Dayton Visual Arts Center, Kettering Children’s Choir, and YS Kids Playhouse.

“The importance of the funding Culture Works provides to the community’s arts organizations cannot be overstated,” says Martine Meredith Collier, Culture Works president and CEO.  “This is a critically important year as we focus on expanding our funding base, increasing the number of workplace giving sites, and developing new efficiencies.  We are grateful for the leadership that Colleen Ryan brings to this process.”

In addition to raising funds for arts organizations in the community through the Campaign for the Arts, Culture Works also promotes partnerships, collaborations, and initiatives, helping the nonprofit arts community work together in ways that benefit the individual organizations, and the Dayton region.