The New Orleans Photo Alliance (NOPA) is excited to announce that Amy Dailey Williams has been named the first Executive Director of the photographic arts organization. Williams brings twenty years of non-profit experience and has deep roots within the cultural landscape of Louisiana.
“The Board and staff are thrilled to welcome Amy to the New Orleans Photo Alliance,“ said NOPA Board president Thom Bennett. “With Ms. Williams’ capable guidance and leadership, along with her proven advocacy for the arts, the Photo Alliance will rapidly proceed to the next level. We look forward to working with her in providing excellent and relevant programming opportunities as we continue our mission of supporting the understanding and appreciation of photography.”
The New Orleans Photo Alliance was established ten years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, by a group of photographers and civic-minded individuals who joined forces to advance photography in the region. Since then, NOPA has hosted over 50 exhibitions and has awarded $55,000 in grants to photographers through its annual Michael P. Smith and Clarence John Laughlin Awards. In addition, NOPA coordinates the annual PhotoNOLA Festival, a city-wide celebration of photography, which has become a prime destination for artists, enthusiasts, and professionals in the field.
Since its inception, NOPA has been staffed and operated by volunteers. Last summer the organization successfully mounted its first major fundraising campaign, with the goal of funding a full time staff-member. Amy Dailey Williams was selected to fill the position after a three-month national search was conducted.
“It’s an honor to join the New Orleans Photo Alliance as its first Executive Director,” said Williams. “The quality of programming produced by this all-volunteer organization in the last decade demonstrates the passion and dedication of the photographic community in New Orleans. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to support the work of this dynamic organization into the next decade.”
Williams will keep office hours at the NOPA gallery, 1111 St. Mary Street, and welcomes visitors to drop by Tuesdays through Fridays from 10am – 4pm.
About Amy Dailey Williams
Amy Dailey Williams is the first Executive Director of the New Orleans Photo Alliance. Previously, Williams served as the Director of Operations for the New Orleans Film Society/Film Festival and the Director of Administration and Managing Editor for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. She brings more than two decades of experience with non-profit administration and management and is particularly adept at planning and systems development.
A native of the Chicago area, Williams spent time hiking and working in East Africa before moving to New Orleans in 1997. Like many, she immediately fell in love with the city and has made it her home since that time. Amy is raising two teenage sons in Mid City and is an avid backgammon player, traveler, and arts enthusiast.