T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY Kristine Kienzle, pictured, is the new executive director of the Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center (MACC), located at 709 S. Center St.

A little more than a month has passed since Kristine Kienzle took on the job as executive director of the Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center (MACC), and she is learning all about how important the facility is to the citizens of the area.

“I have been absorbing feedback about what the MACC means to people in the community, how our building is utilized and what people miss or look forward to,” Kienzle said.

She has been asking how she can bring people through the doors while ensuring inclusivity. Kienzle has spoken with the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, business leaders, the school district and event space users to understand perspectives and explore future partnerships.

“While our priority is advancing the MACC’s mission, we also strive to enrich the broader community,” she said. “By drawing visitors to our facility and directing them to local dining, catering, lodging, entertainment and retail establishments, we aim to create a relationship that distinguishes us and propels our future success. That’s what sets us apart and that is the focus for our future.”

After getting a better understanding of what the community hopes, Kienzle said she and the board will continue initiatives such as:

• Sustaining educational events such as Classical Splash, which featured artwork from more than 700 Marshalltown Community School District students. She said there are plans to expand the art show throughout Marshall County;

• Providing educational opportunities, such as author presentations to students;

• Securing funding for the revitalization of the Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse;

• Showcasing artist exhibits and supporting partnerships;;

• Elevating the Fisher Art Museum to a premier Iowa destination;

• Crafting a diverse event schedule to ensure financial stability and;

• Continuing strong partnerships with the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, Arts + Culture Alliance, Community Foundation of Marshall County and Marshalltown Area United Way, as the MACC provides a centralized location for community support.

“Each conversation I have directs me to connections and that’s where I get excited about where we’re going,” she said. “We aim to transition from survival mode to sustainable funding, leveraging the success of our event spaces.”

Seeking stability and an opportunity to enhance her leadership skills, Kienzle, who lives in rural Garwin on her family’s farm and also serves as a GMG school board member, applied for the MACC position. She sought the chance to apply what she learned in a previous leadership role.

The interview process with the board made Kienzle realize that the MACC operates with a strong mission statement, a positive influence on the community and the ability to be agile in the future.

“I was fortunate to come at a time when there was already an established sense of direction for the future while allowing the ability to align with our community supporters and pursue personal goals for the MACC,” she said.

Prior to working at the MACC, Kienzle was employed by the Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA) for eight years as the support manager and site superintendent of the Marshalltown location. She oversaw the facility, led project management, coordinated facility maintenance, budgetary oversight and event coordination.

“I had the opportunity to be a part of an organization that truly believes in investing in its people and learned alongside many talented staff members,” she said.

The AEA funding actions of the legislature and Gov. Kim Reynolds in the last year made Kienzle feel uncertain for her future. She wanted to hone the necessary skills for the MACC job — mission alignment, monitoring financial performance, processing design, implementing strategic marketing initiatives, leading project organization and providing support.

“I have had great leaders invest their time with me, and it’s led me to want to invest in others,” she said.

Thus, Kienzle accepted the position offer on March 28, and began her duties April 15. She is gradually learning about her plethora of duties — day-to-day operations, building activity coordination, building and grounds oversight, staffing, scheduling, serving as a facilitator for the board, listening to feedback, leading staff to achieve goals and funding. Kienzle already knows the importance of utilizing the MACC funds carefully.

“Operating as a nonprofit means we’re intentional about where our time and resources are spent,” she said. “It’s crucial for me to be involved in conversations and then decide what support I can provide or where I need to lean in and learn more.”

The $100,000 loss of funding from the City of Marshalltown is a challenge Kienzle is rising to meet. The board is exploring different avenues to address the deficit, she said.

Kienzle said the city has backed the MACC since 1969, and post-derecho was a crucial and an indicator of the MACC’s future in Marshalltown.

“Had we not received the commitment from the city, we would have probably torn the building down,” she said.

After a $7 million renovation following the derecho, attention has been turned to another major piece of the MACC — the Martha Ellen Tye Playhouse — which was closed for asbestos removal. Kienzle said they are on track to replace lobby windows and doors in the next month using an Iowa Great Places grant. Other grants have been secured to install a new speaker system and update the stage curtain.

Next, Kienzle said they will try to secure funding for lobby renovation and make it accessible to everyone. The renovations include the installation of a lift across all three levels and the construction of modernized restrooms. Plans also include new lighting and carpeting in the seating area. However, the timeline for completion depends on how quickly the funds are raised.

“We’re eager to once again open our doors to plays, concerts, recitals, speakers and various community events at the Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse,” she said. “It’s an exciting phase of our journey as we work toward creating a vibrant cultural hub for our community.”

Having learned the duties she will fulfill, along with the history and the importance of the building, Kienzle knows the MACC is more than just a civic center. It is an economic, cultural and social cornerstone of the town.

“Additionally, it serves as a vital resource for nonprofits seeking guidance and funding,” she said. “We’re optimistic about collaborating with the city council to explore alternative funding solutions that will ensure the continued vibrancy and accessibility of this beloved campus.”

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.