Kathleen Allen has dedicated her career to advancing equitable access to high quality arts education and supporting arts educators and learners. Prior to Gage, she served as Executive Director of Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO), where she professionalized much of the organization’s operations, built a high-functioning staff team, and expanded community partnerships. She spent 15 years as an art museum educator in Boston, Atlanta, and Seattle. As an arts advocate, she has testified on the impact of arts education to local, county, and state legislators, has served on the board of ArtsEd Washington and as an advisor to ArtsFund’s Community Partners Network. Kathleen received a bachelor’s degree in Art History at Vassar College, a Master Degree in Education from Harvard University, and holds certificates in program evaluation and non-profit financial management.