Ucross President Sharon Dynak to Retire After 25 Years

After 25 years at Ucross, President Sharon Dynak has announced her retirement effective April 2022. Dynak moved from New York City to Wyoming in 1996 to join Ucross as Residency Program Director. She was appointed Executive Director of the organization in 2005 and President in 2007. During her tenure, Ucross has grown into one of the nation’s most distinguished and distinctive artist residency programs, offering uninterrupted time and studio space to approximately 100 individuals each year. Ucross was founded in 1981 by Raymond Plank, and the residency program welcomed its first artists in 1983.

William Belcher, an experienced arts professional and our current Ucross Director of Development and External Relations, has been named the next President of the organization. Dynak said it has been a long and exciting adventure and a great honor to work on behalf of contemporary writers, artists, composers and choreographers — as well as scientists, curators, educators and others, and that she’s had the pleasure of working alongside so many creative and dedicated trustees, staff, and other advisors – all of whom have been instrumental in the success of Ucross.

Dynak and Belcher will work together between now and April to implement a thorough transition plan, designed to provide continuity and maintain excellence, as well as continue Ucross’s momentum heading into its 40th anniversary in 2023.