Charlottesville—Virginia Humanities announced today that Athena Gould will begin serving as the new deputy director for the state humanities council.
The deputy director leads Virginia Humanities’ programs and operations, and is responsible for growing and managing the health and wellness of Virginia Humanities’ staff and culture.
Gould comes to Virginia Humanities with a wealth of experience including her recent work as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge.
“I’m excited to join the team at Virginia Humanities. I believe in their mission of connecting communities and giving space for diverse stories to be shared,” Gould said. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about our communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
In 2023 Gould was the recipient of UVA’s Darden School of Business’s Executive Leadership Program inaugural fellowship. She holds an MS in Nonprofit Management from Bay Path University.
“Each of Virginia Humanities’ programs is committed to sharing and amplifying the diversity of Virginia’s voices and stories that make up the beautiful and imperfect tapestry of our humanity,” Executive Director Matthew Gibson said. “Athena’s skills and experience will make her an excellent mentor for our program directors and staff. We’re looking forward to the ways in which she’ll help Virginia Humanities grow and better serve the people of the Commonwealth.”
Gould joins Virginia Humanities’ team of 35 staff members working on programs including Encyclopedia Virginia, Virginia Folklife, the With Good Reason radio show and podcast, Virginia Festival of the Book, and Virginia Center for the Book.
