She wants to expand the group’s audience and donor base; she formerly worked at SOU, marketing the Oregon Center for the Arts

By Jim Flint for Ashland.news

A 20-year resident of the Rogue Valley with a diverse background in music, marketing, web development, artificial intelligence, writing, event coordinating, brokerage, fundraising, grant writing, arts management, nonprofit leadership — and even a bit of alpaca wrangling — has been hired as the new executive director of Southern Oregon Repertory Singers.

Kim Andresen, 53, will assume her new position on July 1, the official start of Rep Singers’ 40th season. The Medford resident recently wrapped up a seven-year tenure at Southern Oregon University, where she joined the music department in 2018 before moving to marketing for the Oregon Center for the Arts in 2021.

“We’re excited about the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas Kim will bring to the organization,” Laura Rich, board president, said in a news release. “The staff and board of directors look forward to partnering with her to champion musical excellence across the region.”

Ties that matter

Andresen’s opportunity to join Rep Singers came when Music Director Paul French called to gauge her interest in the executive director role. During her time at SOU, she had worked closely with French and his wife, Jodi French, the Rep Singers’ accompanist and composer in residence.

“I hold a deep respect and affection for them and was excited about the possibility of collaborating with them in this new role,” Andresen said.

After meeting with several board members, it became clear to Andresen that her background aligned well with the organization’s needs.

She looks forward to Rep Singers’ milestone year as an opportunity to elevate the mission and grow the audience.

A wider stage

“With plans to offer performances in Medford and Grants Pass once again, we are poised to make a powerful impact in the Rogue Valley,” she said.

She said she can’t wait to help Rep Singers broaden its performance footprint and bring the ensemble’s critically acclaimed music to new audiences.

“At the same time, I envision strengthening our presence within Ashland by fostering meaningful partnerships and expanding educational outreach,” she said.

Increasing philanthropic support and growing the donor base are challenges she relishes.

“I am committed to securing grant and corporate funding and enhancing patron experiences,” she said, adding that the organization offers a strong foundation for growth.

She also looks forward to more collaborations with regional artists, and engaging younger generations through educational and outreach initiatives.

“These efforts not only will enrich our artistic impact but also help ensure the longevity and relevance of our mission.”

Andresen earned a BA in creative writing from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, with minors in music and German.

A new chapter

She and her husband, John, relocated from Beaverton to the Rogue Valley to assist his parents in establishing Andresen Acres, an alpaca farm.

“At the time, we operated our own web development business,” she said, “and I was coordinating special events in the Portland area.”

She continued her previous work as an event coordinator and magazine writer. After attending regional livestock shows with John and seeing firsthand the marketing challenges breeders faced, they launched a brokerage arm within their business to help clients list, promote and sell their animals.

“Helping facilitate the international sale of a herd of cattle from the East Coast to Ethiopia was one of the most rewarding experiences of that time,” she said.

The couple has four children — two recent college graduates, one attending Oregon State University, and one in high school.

Off the clock

Outside work, Andresen enjoys whitewater rafting, skydiving, board games, gardening, camping, music and time with the family.

With her entrepreneurial spirit and deep-rooted love for the arts, Andresen brings a rare blend of creativity and pragmatism to her new role.

As Rep Singers approaches its 40th season, she’s ready to chart an ambitious course — honoring the ensemble’s rich legacy while expanding its reach and deepening community ties.

For more information about the 2025-26 season or to purchase tickets, visit repsingers.org.

Reach writer Jim Flint at jimflint.ashland@yahoo.com.