Judy Hawkinson

Executive Director

Judy Hawkinson (she/her) is a nonprofit leader and fundraiser with more than 35 years of experience helping organizations grow and thrive. She has served with nonprofits around the Twin Cities, such as Rethos: Places Reimagined (Director of Philanthropy and Communications), the American Craft Council (Development Director, Interim Executive Director, and Associate Executive Director), Macalester College, the American Cancer Society, and many others.  During her long career in the nonprofit sector, Judy has worked with boards of directors and talented teams to design and launch creative programs that build strong relationships and that connect people to causes they love.

Judy believes that pottery connects communities through shared history, creativity, and everyday beauty. When she drinks her morning coffee in a handmade coffee cup, she thinks about the artist who made it, and feels that she is sharing something across time and distance with the artist. She understands that, from functional bowls to expressive art, pottery fosters community and connection, supports artisans, and keeps the spirit of craft alive in daily life.  Her work often blends the arts and community—projects that bring people together around a shared interest and in meaningful ways. 

Judy’s creativity extends beyond her professional work. She writes poetry, dabbles in art classes, and enjoys visiting museums. She has a passion for handmade, one-of-a-kind items—especially those she can use in daily life—and loves supporting makers and artists. A longtime Twin Cities resident, she is happiest hanging out with old and new friends, babysitting her grandchild, sitting on her front porch, reading books, biking around town, and traveling to places rich in history and culture.