Tacoma Arts Live Appoints New CEO, Shares Details on New Educational Direction
Jul 30, 2026, 11:34 AM
South Sound Business
Originally published on South Sound Business.
Tacoma Arts Live has named Katie Stricker as its new chief executive officer.
Stricker has been with the organization for 19 years, starting with TAL as a summer-camp musical choreographer and serving in other roles such as director of education and program director. She has helped TAL through a difficult period of transition: the organization announced earlier this year that it was nearly $3 million in debt. She will now help TAL focus on its long-term vision for education, according to a TAL press release.
As CEO, Stricker will strengthen relationships with schools and organizations as well as grow TAL’s Civil Rights Legacy Tour, which connects community members and students with educational experiences to learn about the American civil rights movement. It currently serves around 40 schools in the Pierce, North Thurston, and Lewis counties.
“The arts have the power to educate, inspire, and bring communities together,” Stricker said in a statement. “We’re committed to creating meaningful experiences that deepen understanding, spark dialogue, and help prepare the next generation of engaged citizens.”
TAL will continue its creative programming with experiences and collaborations with small businesses, Arts at the Armory, Tomorrowland Roller Derby, and expo fairs.
