Gratitude for our Executive Director Amy Wheeler’s Vision

We hope you will join us in expressing gratitude to our long-time Executive Director, Amy Wheeler. After 17 years as Hedgebrook’s leader, this January, she will be transitioning out of her role.

A graduate of the University of Iowa’s renowned Playwrights Workshop MFA program, Amy first came to Hedgebrook as a Writer-in-Residence. With her first-hand experience of the power of Hedgebrook’s radical hospitality, which enables women to deepen their creative and intellectual work, Amy quickly became a supporter and advocate for the Hedgebrook mission.

She became a board member in 2003, bringing with her remarkable energy and vision. Transitioning to Executive Director in 2007, she oversaw notable program expansion, including the creation of the Songwriters, Screenwriters, and Documentary Film programs, which amplified women’s voices across diverse media. Her work to broaden outreach, offer top-notch educational experiences, and unify women continued with the expansion of local and international Master Classes. This programmatic innovation carried on with Hedgebrook’s newly-minted Online Class series, which provides access for participants previously unable to engage with our offerings.

Through her rare and wonderful warmth, which connects donors and supporters, Amy has been a beloved touchpoint for many. Her deep knowledge of this community – and its “ripples” – has strengthened Hedgebrook’s alum community and expanded the retreat experience to become what Gloria Steinem has called a “global campfire.” Her longstanding personal relationships with cultural luminaries sets her apart as a leader, as does her compassion and humanity.

In addition to all of this work and growth, Amy has maintained an active, creative life of her own. She looks forward to many future professional and artistic opportunities, including her current project adapting Hedgebrook alum Holly Morris’ beautiful documentary The Babushkas of Chernobyl to the stage.

Here at Hedgebrook, we want to take a moment to reflect on Amy’s powerful work. Her commitment and investment has made it possible for us to offer support and space to writers from around the world. Her dedication to keeping our mission grounded in traditions of hospitality, empowerment, and creativity has inspired so many and shown the way forward. We know we can count on our community's support as we continue to bring those values with us into Hedgebrook’s bright future.

If you wish, please feel free to leave a comment for Amy below.