Dani Dier, chief business officer of the Henry H. Stambaugh Auditorium Association, has been selected as a member of the 2026 Cohort of the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute.

The program is aimed at empowering Ohio’s arts and culture leaders with the skills and strategies needed to advocate for a stronger creative sector. Dier is one of 25 leaders chosen through a competitive application process, representing 13 cities across Ohio.

The six-month immersive program includes workshops, site visits to cultural hubs and in-depth policy discussions with lawmakers and advocacy experts. Participants will gain the knowledge

and insight to influence public policy, secure funding, and strengthen the statewide network of arts advocates.

According to CreativeOhio Executive Director Sarah Sisser, “CreativeOhio’s Advocacy Leadership Institute is an important effort to raise the bar on civic literacy and engagement among Ohio’s arts and culture leaders. We are excited to collaborate with this year’s cohort: an accomplished group of leaders representing diverse disciplines and communities across the

state who are stepping forward to strengthen the collective voice of Ohio’s creative sector.”

The cohort includes professionals from a range of disciplines, from performing arts organizations to museums and independent artists all part of Ohio’s creative sector, which supports more than 132,000 jobs and contributes $32.9 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Dani Dier said in the news release announcing her selection, “This opportunity will allow me to expand my advocacy skills, connect with leaders across the state, and ensure that Youngstown plays a key role in advancing the arts in Ohio.”