Heather Ikemire

Heather Ikemire has been a passionate advocate for creative aging since she was introduced to Dr. Gene Cohen’s groundbreaking “Creativity and Aging Study” nearly 20 years ago and helped launch the National Guild for Community Arts Education’s seminal guide, Creativity Matters: The Arts and Aging Toolkit. This experience catalyzed her commitment to advancing creative aging nationally, directing a decade-long investment in the field as the Guild’s Chief Program Officer. Today, Heather serves as the Executive Director of Lifetime Arts, a national leader in creative aging training and advocacy. Under Heather’s leadership, Lifetime Arts integrates bold ideas, practical strategies, and diverse partnerships to embed creative aging practices into the fabric of communities nationwide. A nationally recognized arts education leader and staunch advocate for community arts, Heather is dedicated to growing strategic partnerships and fostering an innovative and adaptive team to advance the creative aging movement. Heather holds a Ph.D. in Theater for Youth from Arizona State University and a B.A. in English Literature from Vassar College. A lifelong learner and creative, Heather’s work continues to champion the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives, combat isolation, and positively change the way we age. Learn more at www.lifetimearts.org.