Tony Manfredi named Nevada Arts Council executive director

Tony Manfredi, a Nevada native and veteran executive in public broadcasting, has been named executive director of the Nevada Arts Council. Manfredi assumes his new role on Sept. 11.

“I am delighted to have Tony Manfredi at the helm of the Nevada Arts Council,” said Claudia Vecchio, director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “Tony brings tremendous management and organizational expertise to this position along with a solid background of advocacy for and collaboration with artists and arts entities.”

Manfredi spent 11 years with KNPB Channel 5, Northern Nevada’s PBS Member Station, most recently serving as senior vice president of content and marketing. He directed the station’s national, regional and local programming and production strategy, content for its website, and its marketing and communications activities, while managing a team of 12.

“I’m honored to step into this role,” Manfredi said. “Arts and culture factor prominently in the quality of life experienced in Nevada and I see many opportunities ahead to continue and build upon the great foundation that has been established by the Nevada Arts Council.”

Manfredi grew up in Reno and attended McQueen High School. He graduated from the University of San Diego in 1993 with dual degrees in Communication Studies and Art. An artist himself, he enjoys painting in oils with a focus on plein air and studio landscapes.

He joined KNPB in 2006 as vice president of development and marketing and later serviced as vice president of strategic marketing and programming. He previously worked in branding and marketing for Skagen Designs, as creative director for iGo and as art director for MountainGate Data Systems in Reno.

He is on the board of the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada Foundation and Entrepreneurship Nevada. He is a member of the Reno Arts Consortium and serves on the advisory committee for the Washoe County School District Council for Career & Technical Education.