Following an extensive search, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle is pleased to announce that Francine Rudoff has been selected as the new executive director.

Rudoff is a seasoned leader with extensive experience directing non-profit organizations. Prior to coming to Watershed, Rudoff served as executive director of KIDS Consortium. During her tenure there, Rudoff expanded the program, reaching clients on a national level. She created a revenue model to diversify KIDS Consortium's funding stream, enabling the organization to have greater entrepreneurial strengths and become more self-sustaining. 

Rudoff has also worked for several state agencies in Maine, directing regional planning, land use, and resource management efforts. Through her role as the director of the Maine Coastal Program in the State's Planning Office, she worked on a project to protect the Damariscotta River Estuary. Rudoff came to love the mid-coast and is excited to re-connect with the area through Watershed's community programs. 

Watershed Board President Beth Kendall expressed her enthusiasm for Rudoff. “I look forward to working with Fran and am confident that Fran's energy and experience will keep Watershed moving in the right direction.”

Rudoff will be replacing interim executive director, Beth Kendall, who has served in this capacity since October 2012. As Rudoff begins her tenure, Kendall will continue her role as president of the board.

Rudoff is a graduate of the University of Rochester with a BA in Environmental Studies, and of the University of Pennsylvania with a MA in Regional Planning. While not a professional ceramicist, she has worked in clay for many years, currently studying at Hallowell Clay Works, and has a deep appreciation for the medium. She is the board president of Temple Beth El in Augusta. She lives in Litchfield and enjoys gardening, vegetarian cooking and hiking. 

More information about Watershed can be found at www.watershedceramics.org/.