Juneau Jazz Fest founder Sandy Fortier will be leading Alaska Arts Education Consortium. (Alaska Arts Education Consortium)

Sandy Fortier, now AAEC executive founder, was a Juneau music teacher

A former music teacher in Juneau has been named the executive director of the Alaska Arts Education Consortium.

The Alaska Arts Education Consortium announced Monday, Jan. 12, that Sandy Fortier would be leading the organization’s statewide arts education efforts. Fortier holds a master’s degree in arts administration from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Northern Colorado.

A news release says that Fortier is an arts education and nonprofit leader with “more than 15 years of experience expanding access to music education and creative opportunities across Alaska.”

Fortier, as the executive director of the Juneau Jazz & Classics, founded the Juneau Jazz Fest. It’s a statewide program that provides students with coaching, mentorship and performance opportunities alongside professional musicians from around the country.

She also taught music privately and in public schools in Juneau.

Fortier said she’s honored to help advance the work that the consortium does statewide.

“Arts education supports student engagement, creativity and connection,” Fortier said. “AAEC plays an important role in supporting educators and schools across Alaska.”

Fortier, according to the release, has built her career in Alaska through leadership roles with organizations such as Juneau Jazz & Classics and Orpheus Project, as well as grant writing and consulting work for arts and education organizations across the state.