Nature of Words gets new executive director
The Nature of Words announces the selection of Amy Mentuck as its new executive director.
Mentuck, a Bend resident, brings a strong background in nonprofit development, management and fundraising to the position. She was chosen from a field of candidates with the assistance of Express Employment Professionals, an executive staffing firm.
Mentuck has spent more than half of her life strengthening nonprofits with mission drivers including environmental preservation, education access, poverty reduction, youth development, and arts and culture.
Most recently, she was development director for Heart of Oregon Corps, a nonprofit that provides youth and young adult job skills training and educational programming. Mentuck has also worked with national nonprofits including Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and the Outdoor Industry Association.
Mentuck is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in psychology and kinesiology.
“We are delighted to welcome Amy as The Nature of Words’ new executive director,” said Kristin Kovalik, President of NOW’s Board of Directors. Kovalik added, “Her experience, passion and knowledge of the Central Oregon community are the ideal fit for NOW as we transition to a new era of growth and opportunity.” Mentuck will officially be introduced to NOW’s supporters at an August 6 th reception.
Mentuck stated, “I am honored to have been selected to lead The Nature of Words into a second decade of enriching the lives of Central Oregonians of all ages through high quality, year-round literary arts programs and events. Together with an extraordinary Board of Directors, a talented staff, generous supporters, and a tireless network of advisors and volunteers, we will continue to advance literary arts, thereby ensuring this region’s long legacy of valuing artistic and cultural expression.”
About The Nature of Words
The mission of The Nature of Words is to strengthen and support the literary arts and humanities in the Central Oregon high desert region through community interaction with acclaimed authors and through creative writing programs for students and adults. For more information about The Nature of Words, visit www.thenatureofwords.org, call 541.647.2233 or email info@thenatureofwords.org . In Bend, visit NOW’s literary arts center at 224 NW Oregon Ave.