Ballet Arizona Announces New Executive Director

Ballet Arizona is excited to announce its new executive director, Jami Kozemczak, who will assume the appointment beginning July 1, 2022, following a nationwide search. She replaces Samantha Turner who announced her departure in January and will conclude her tenure June 30, 2022.   

As director of development for the ballet since 2015, Kozemczak has a record of consistently meeting and exceeding contributed revenue goals to advance the organization. During her tenure at Ballet Arizona, the organization established a culture of philanthropy that permeates throughout the entire organization. Kozemczak has secured more than $36 million in contributed revenue during her time at Ballet Arizona and led the charge for the Be Our Bridge Recovery and Relief Fund that ensured all staff members and dancers remained fully employed during the Covid-19 crisis.  

Kozemczak’s experience in arts non-profit management includes fundraising, public relations, communications, donor relations, and marketing. Beginning her career as a marketing professional, she quickly transitioned to fundraising after discovering her true vocation was helping connect donors to their passion. Kozemczak holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University. She is co-chair for the AFP Professional Mentoring Program and a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  

“Leading the effort on the search gave myself and others the opportunity to interview and speak with several great executive director candidates from some of the great arts organizations around the country,” said Michael Bolar, board vice chair and chair of the search committee. “It is with great pleasure to see one of our own rise to the top of an exceptional list of candidates. Jami’s talent, passion, and energy will help lead Ballet Arizona to our exciting future.” 

“It is with deep enthusiasm and excitement that I accept the role of Executive Director for Ballet Arizona. I could not be more grateful to our board, staff, faculty, and dancers for helping make one of my personal dreams come true,” stated Jami Kozemczak. “I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Samantha Turner, whose leadership has kept Ballet Arizona in a position of fiscal health and has successfully navigated us through our most challenging times. It will undoubtedly be one of the greatest privileges of my career to lead this organization alongside our brilliant Artistic Director Ib Andersen and our visionary board of directors. Together we will continue advancing the mission of Ballet Arizona for the benefit of all members of our community.” 

“Jami’s seemingly endless energy, enthusiasm, and optimism are absolutely inspiring,” said Miranda Lumer, board chair. “While my tenure with the board is ending in June, I leave filled with confidence that our organization is poised for achieving great things with Jami leading the charge as our next executive director.” 

“During her tenure with Ballet Arizona, Jami’s work has directly contributed to the growth of Ballet Arizona through her relationship building and fundraising,” said Ib Andersen, artistic director. “I look forward to seeing the impact her dedication will have on the organization’s current and future efforts as our new executive director.” 

For more information on Ballet Arizona and its upcoming performances, please visit balletaz.org.