Joanna Pine Retires as ALCA President

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE — After more than a decade of service, Joanna Pine, president of the board of the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, has announced that she will be stepping down at the end of the current season in October.

The announcement came during an address at ALCA’s annual celebration, where Pine reflected on her journey with the organization, which began in 2009 and led to a decades-long tenure as president. During this time, ALCA experienced extraordinary growth and milestones, including the purchase of a lakefront property, a doubling of the board of trustees from seven to 14 members, and a creative evolution that kept the Arts Center vibrant — even through the challenges of the pandemic.

“It has been my honor to serve on the board and contribute to this organization’s vision and growth,” Pine said during the event. “I’m filled with pride, not just for what we’ve achieved, but for what is yet to come. The arts center is not just a physical space — it’s a vibrant community. I’m confident ALCA is in great hands.”

Under her leadership, ALCA navigated pivotal transitions, including hiring key staff like Artistic General Director George Cordes, Development General Director Jean-Marie Donohue and Quad County SCR Grant Coordinator Fred Balzac. With an eye toward stewardship and sustainability, Pine also championed community engagement, volunteerism and the development of future leaders.

This year’s event also marked a celebration of the many volunteers who supported the annual gathering over the years. Looking ahead, Pine plans to remain involved with ALCA as a dedicated volunteer and patron.

“You’ll still see me here,” she said. “Just in a different capacity.”

Her departure marks a generational transition at ALCA, with a new wave of leadership poised to carry the organization into its next phase of growth, innovation and impact.

Located in the heart of the Adirondacks, ALCA is a hub for cultural expression and community enrichment. Through performing arts, workshops, visual exhibitions and educational programming, ALCA brings the transformative power of the arts to communities across the region.