Both Heubschen and Pease were born and raised in Juneau, AK and have worked for various organizations in the contiguous United States. They each bring a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience with them to Juneau, where they will undertake their intended roles with the JAHC.

Huebschen’s background as the Associate Director for the UCLA Chancellor’s Society, combined with a deep passion for promoting the community-based arts programs, will help to further advance the mission of the organization. He brings along substantial knowledge of fundraising and strategic development practices through his years of work experience, both at UCLA and the Colburn School in Los Angeles, CA.

“I’m so excited to be joining the JAHC as its next Executive Director. My connection to this organization has informed so much of my life, and having the opportunity to lead its growth and help enrich the arts in Juneau is meaningful to me beyond measure. I look forward to connecting, collaborating, and engaging with our community as we move towards the future,” says Huebschen.

When Phil Huebschen assumes the role in March of 2023, he will be responsible for fund development, grant and fiscal management, program management, community relations, advocacy, and strategic planning over the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council. In this position, Huebschen will have supervisory responsibilities over the entire JAHC staff and will be reporting to the JAHC Board of Directors.

“We are excited to have Phil Huebschen be a part of the team at the Juneau Art & Humanities Council,” says JAHC Board President Abel Ryan. “He will be working with an already great team at the JACC and Centennial Hall and will bring in some fresh ideas and new energy into the community that will continue our goals of equity and support for the arts in Juneau. Being originally from Juneau, this will be a nice homecoming for Phil, reconnecting with old friends and getting to make new ones.”

Huebschen succeeds Interim Executive Directors, Reggie Schapp and Jennifer Quinto, as well as longtime former Juneau Arts & Humanities Council Executive Director, Nancy DeCherney, who retired in May of 2022.

The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council will also welcome Zachary Pease to our staff who will take on the role as the Technical Director starting Wednesday, February 1, 2023. He brings with him his expertise in event productions and operations at numerous festivals and currently works as an event freelancer. Pease has experience running event technology systems for large events, such as Anime Expo 2022, Burning Man, and D23 Disney Convention 2022.

“As a born and raised Juneauite I have always appreciated the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council for helping shape the community that supported and inspired me to be the artist I am today,” said Pease. “Accepting the role of Technical Director has been the highlight of my year, and I look forward to using my passion for arts, events, and production to help foster the same inspiration and support that Juneau provided to me.”

The Technical Director of the JAHC oversees the technical production of events at Centennial Hall and at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. This position is also responsible for the inventory of equipment as well as overall safety of the facilities, and acts as the direct supervisor of the event crew.

“Zac is coming back home to Juneau after gaining a lot of experience in the technical and production side of the events industry outside of Alaska and is excited to put his expertise to use giving back to the community that raised him. Adding Zac to our team will give us even more expertise in helping our clients make events at Centennial Hall and the JACC the best they can be,” adds Centennial Hall Manager, Kathleen Harper.

Please join us in welcoming Phil and Zac to the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council team.

photo: Phil Huebschen, JAHC Executive Director