Orcas Center’s Executive/Artistic Director Barbara Courtney set the stage for her exit last week with a formal resignation, and Orcas Center board members are working hard to find capable new hands to direct the organization.

“Ms. Courtney gave us notice earlier in the year that this might be a possibility,” said newly appointed board president Eska Wilson, who with vice president Dimitri Stankevich will be on a five-member search committee now being formed.

Courtney, who has directed the center since 2005, will be moving on in December to become director of philanthropy at the San Juan Preservation Trust.

“We’re looking for someone with many of the skills that Courtney had,” said Wilson, “someone that can represent Orcas Center well in the community.”

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree, four years of experience managing a non-profit, and a background in the arts, with a variety of skills including communication, marketing, recruiting, managing finances and more. Ads will run in San Juan County, Bellingham and Seattle papers, but won’t be posted on any national job boards.

“We’re hoping to find someone on the island, but willing to consider anyone in the Pacific Northwest,” said Wilson.

If a suitable director is not found by the time Courtney leaves to take her new position, Wilson said the committee would be looking for an interim director.