Kayla joined On-Ramps as a Search Specialist in 2022 after nearly 25 years of working with a wide range of mission-driven organizations. Her professional journey has included roles in youth development, humanities, public radio, and performing arts, providing her experience in the areas of research, evaluation, program development, fundraising, marketing, community engagement, and volunteer coordination. Most recently, she served 9 years as Executive Director for a professional chamber music presenter, where she was responsible for all administrative facets and fundraising to annually produce over 60 concerts, events, and educational presentations across Alaska. During her tenure she also led a $4.7M capital campaign to purchase and renovate an historic building to become the organization’s permanent home. Along the way, Kayla dabbled in various hobbies and part-time jobs, including teaching beginning violin to children, performing in a regional orchestra, hosting a weekly radio show of swing music, running a small event venue, and bartending.
Born and raised on a farm in Iowa, Kayla enjoyed a few years of city life in downtown Minneapolis before moving to Sitka, Alaska, where she lived for 20 years. Out of a desire to spend more time with family and dear friends in the Lower 48, Kayla and her husband recently relocated to Mathews County, Virginia, where they spend their free time playing Americana/roots/rock music, riding on Rails to Trails bike paths, enjoying good food and craft cocktails, and taking as many road/camping trips as possible.
