The Board of Directors of Northern Clay Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Judy Hawkinson as our new Executive Director, effective August 27, 2025. Judy succeeds Kyle Rudy-Kohlhepp, who after eight years of tireless commitment, is stepping down, leaving a legacy of resilience and devotion to the Northern Clay Center community.
“As Board Chair, I am honored to welcome Judy into this role,” said Mary K. Baumann, Chair of the Northern Clay Center’s Board of Directors. From the outset, our search centered on finding a leader with the vision, experience, and relationship-building skills to help Northern Clay Center flourish as a creative and connected community,” said Baumann. “Judy stood out for her history of strengthening organizations, her skill in inspiring community support, and her clear passion for our mission and values. She brings the kind of leadership that will carry our work forward in bold and meaningful ways.”
With more than 35 years of experience helping nonprofits grow and thrive, Judy brings a remarkable track record of leadership and fundraising to Northern Clay Center. She has served organizations across the Twin Cities, including Rethos: Places Reimagined, the American Craft Council, Macalester College, and the American Cancer Society, among many others. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with boards and talented teams to design and launch creative programs that build strong relationships and connect people to causes they love.
Judy’s belief that pottery connects communities through shared history, creativity, and everyday beauty aligns beautifully with our mission. She sees each handmade cup or bowl as more than an object—it is a bridge between maker and user, a link across time and place. Her work often blends the arts and community, fostering meaningful connections that support artisans and keep the spirit of craft alive in daily life.
Beyond her professional achievements, Judy is a passionate supporter of artists and one-of-a-kind handmade work. A longtime Twin Cities resident, she enjoys writing poetry, taking art classes, visiting museums, biking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family—especially her grandchild.
In her new role, Judy will provide strategic leadership and oversight of Northern Clay Center’s rich programs and partnerships, fundraising, financial management, marketing, and operations, while collaborating closely with the Board, staff, and community stakeholders to deepen Northern Clay Center’s mission to advance the ceramic arts for artists, learners, and the community, through education, exhibitions, and artist services.
“Joining Northern Clay Center as Executive Director is an incredible honor,” notes Judy. “I’m excited to work alongside such a talented team to advance NCC’s mission, celebrate the ceramic arts, and deepen connections between artists and our community, and people in the community to each other through the shared language of art.”
The Board of Directors extends heartfelt thanks to Kyle Rudy-Kohlhepp for his years of service and lasting contributions to Northern Clay Center. We look forward to a smooth transition and an exciting new chapter ahead.
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