MEET SMASH'S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NICOLE VANDENBERG!

Dear SMASH Community,

After a comprehensive leadership search, The SMASH Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director, Nicole Vandenberg! 

A Seattle native, Nicole is a veteran of the music industry, beginning her career in radio at KISW before transitioning to a strategic communications role at Pyramid Communications and later directing communications and philanthropy as a member of Pearl Jam’s management team. For three decades, she has also led a boutique strategic communications firm focused on supporting musicians, artist-aligned ventures, nonprofits and government entities to amplify their voices and missions. She has served as a member of KEXP’s Board of Directors since 2017.

Nicole brings to bear a rare blend of strategic vision, industry fluency and real-world experience navigating the intersection of music, health and philanthropy. She has witnessed up-close the toll creating, performing, touring and recording schedules can have on those who give so much of themselves to their art. 

She has also been a dedicated supporter and passionate advocate of SMASH for many years, and was instrumental in creating our Mental Health Fund, which raises money for SMASH to cover therapy costs for our members. The mental health program is now the most in-demand service we offer.

We are so excited to have Nicole on board to lead SMASH into its next chapter. Beyond her extensive industry expertise and strategic vision, Nicole is a thoughtful, compassionate and trusted leader. Under Nicole’s leadership, in partnership with our Board and staff, I look forward to seeing SMASH flourish and have an even greater impact for our incredible local musicians.

Nicole will begin her role as Executive Director on Monday, June 2. Please join me in giving her a warm SMASH welcome!

Sincerely,

Laura Ware

Board Chair