Oregon — Business Oregon has announced the hiring of Amy Lewin as the agency’s new Arts and Culture Director, a leadership role overseeing programming for both the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Lewin brings more than 15 years of experience in statewide cultural programming, strategic communications, and community engagement.
As part of Business Oregon’s executive team, Lewin will report directly to agency director Sophorn Cheang and guide policies and programs aimed at strengthening Oregon’s arts and culture sectors.
“Amy’s deep experience in community engagement, public-private partnerships, and inclusive storytelling makes her uniquely qualified to lead this work,” said Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon. “Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Oregon’s creative economy and ensuring that arts and culture remain central to our state’s identity and prosperity.”
Lewin will collaborate closely with the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust Board to support a unified statewide vision for arts and cultural vitality.
“Through the uncertainty of the past few years, Oregon’s cultural sector has continued to inspire with its creativity and resilience,” said Sean Andries, Chair of the Oregon Cultural Trust. “Amy Lewin’s leadership brings a steady, experienced, and deeply collaborative presence at a time when our community needs it most. I am excited for the advocacy, vision, and support she will bring to Oregon’s artists, organizations, and communities.”
Subashini Ganesan, Chair of the Oregon Arts Commission, emphasized Lewin’s leadership style, saying, “Amy Lewin’s strategic, heart-centered, and nimble leadership style is a precious asset. We are thrilled to be the beneficiaries of such strength. I am particularly excited for our statewide stakeholders to build relationships with Amy so that, together, we can work towards sustainability for our creative communities.”
Lewin previously served as Vice President of Brand and Strategic Partnerships at Oregonian Media Group, where she launched Here is Oregon, a digital storytelling platform highlighting cultural and creative work across the state. Her career spans nonprofit, media, and public-sector leadership roles, with a focus on equity, economic development, and cultural inclusion.
“I’m honored to step into this role at a time when creativity and collaboration are vital to our state’s future,” Lewin said. “Oregon’s art and cultural sectors are not just about expression, they are drivers of innovation, identity, and economic vitality. I look forward to partnering statewide to keep Oregon’s creative spirit thriving.”
Lewin holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Oregon and recently earned a Graduate Certificate in Emerging COO Leadership from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
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