Following a national search, Denise Dumouchel has been selected as the new executive director of the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN).

“The opportunity to build community through collaborative creativity and volunteerism inspires me,” Dumouchel said.

“I look forward to working with volunteers, staff and the board of directors to take BARN to the next level as a community hub for experiential, intergenerational teaching and learning.”

Dumouchel comes to BARN from IslandWood, another Bainbridge Island nonprofit, where she served in several positions during her 18 years with the organization. Most recently, she was director of the Graduate Program in Education for Environment and Community, which is a partnership between IslandWood and the University of Washington.

She brings 20 years of administrative and leadership experience, as well as many years of teaching people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

Her teaching experience spans the range from elementary schools in the U.S and Finland to graduate-level courses, and she has hired, trained and supervised faculty at IslandWood.

Dumouchel has also worked as a park ranger and a professional storyteller. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and environmental planning from the University of Rochester in New York, a master’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University, and a doctorate’s degree in environmental studies at Antioch New England Graduate School, with an emphasis in adult development and professional development programs for educators.

“We’re excited to add Denise’s expertise as we move into the next phase of growth,” said Catherine Camp, BARN board president. “She brings a wealth of experience in guiding a nonprofit through its formative years. Her passion and her background are in education, which is at the core of BARN’s mission.”