Karen Lashelle

Karen LaShelle is an accomplished arts leader with extensive experience in community arts education and programming. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Austin Together since December 2021, Karen has also been involved with Creative Action since September 2003 in various roles, including Capital Project Consultant and Executive and Artistic Director. As a Board Chair/Member at the National Guild for Community Arts Education since December 2017, Karen contributes to national discussions on arts education. Previous experience includes positions at Leadership Austin, Interfaith Neighbors, Redmoon Theatre, Northlight Theatre, and Blue Man Productions. Academically, Karen holds a Master's degree in Community Based Arts from New York University and a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University.