Louise Senneff... the art of the team

Louise Senneff, executive director of the Alliance for the Arts. Louise Senneff has come home in more ways that one. From behind her desk as the executive director of the Alliance for the Arts, she jokes about her diverse career path saying, "I don't know what I want to be when I grow up!"

Born in El Paso, Texas, Louise embarked on a cross-country adventure at age 23 that included a series of professions including teacher, school administrator, flight attendant, interior designer and management consultant. She has thoroughly enjoyed each of these, carrying along her passions for creativity and education which she still focuses on today.

"My Mom was a visual artist and my Dad a vocalist," explains Louise. "So early on I developed a love for the arts."

Married to a Fort Myers native for 35 1/2 years, Louise has lived in New York, Northern Virginia and Albuquerque NM where the couple raised their two children. Knowing all along that her husband wanted to eventually settle in his hometown, they moved to Fort Myers where Louise answered a small ad for a part time education coordinator at the Alliance. She rose quickly through the ranks becoming executive director five years ago.

"When I started, the Alliance was at a low," says Louise. "We have had to rebuild both financially and from the standpoint of trust in the community, but I have thoroughly embraced this challenge."

Louise credits her strong team for the strides they have made.

"Everyone here does things outside their job descriptions," Louise says. "My management style is low-key and interactive - I would much rather be the team leader than the 'boss.'"

She also appreciates a great board of directors, and regards two of the original members David Robinson and Barbara B. Mann as her mentors.

"The arts need people like that," explains Louise. "I have learned from their dedication and consistency in supporting the arts."

Challenges for the Alliance include keeping up with growth in the community as well as tremendous growth in the arts. With the growth in programs comes the inevitable increase in needed funds to fuel this non-profit organization.

"We have worked hard to make the organization grow and flourish," says Louise. "And I love knowing we are doing what we should be doing. In addition to providing more programs in the visual and performing arts, supporting artists and student artists, we are also supporting other arts in Lee County. Our mission to be both a resource and an advocate for the arts - because together we can do a lot more than we can separately."

In addition to bringing the facets of the arts community together, Louise has also brought her strengths together at the Alliance. Her management skills combined with her love for the arts, and a dedication to creativity and education have certainly been assets to the organization.

Viewed in the community as a key force behind the growth of the arts in Lee County, and delighted by the challenges she faces each day, it seems as though Louise may have discovered exactly whom she wants to be when she grows up.