We're pleased to announce that Centrum board member Cindy Hill Finnie was recently elected chair of  the Washington State Arts Commission, the state agency that serves to advance the arts throughout the state.

Established in 1961, the Washington State Arts Commission (WSAC) provides grants, training, and services to strengthen arts in communities, expand arts education, and provide stewardship for the state's artistic resources.

WSAC is led by Executive Director Kris Tucker and 15 staff, and is governed by a board that includes four legislators and 19 governor-appointed citizens. As newly elected chair, Finnie will preside at all meetings of the board and act as a spokesperson for the board.

In addition to her work in the arts, Finnie has over thirty years with Allstate Insurance in the Life, Property and Casualty Insurance Industry, where she specializes in management and motivation. She is also co-owner and member of the board of directors for Rainshadow Properties, Inc. in Port Townsend, and has served on the Centrum board of directors since 1998, including five years as president. Governor Gary Locke appointed Finnie to the board of WSAC in August 2005 and she was reappointed by Governor Chris Gregoire through July, 2013.