Hawkins named Festival director of community & strategy

SANDPOINT — Caroline Hawkins has been named the Festival at Sandpoint's new director of community and strategy. Hawkins began the position effective June 1, 2026.  

As part of her duties, Hawkins will lead Festival efforts on local partnerships as well as design creative strategies to connect the annual  music series with the community. Hawkins said she wants to expand regional engagement, strengthen relationships with area stakeholders, and ensuring the Festival's growth reflects the community's vibrant spirit. 

“From attending performances as a kid to working behind the scenes and building my career in the events industry, the Festival has been part of my journey for many years,” Hawkins said. “I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return and give back to a place that has given me so much.” 

Hawkins, whose appointment marks a powerful full-circle moment for the Festival, began her career as a seasonal intern for the Festival in 2015. She then served the organization in a variety of roles through 2022.  

“Coming back to the Festival truly feels like coming home. I was born and raised in this community,” Hawkins said. “Both the Festival and the people of Sandpoint have played a significant role in shaping who I am.”  

After relocating to Boise, Hawkins oversaw marketing for ExtraMile Arena and Albertsons Stadium. She now returns to the organization to lead its strategic outreach efforts, bringing with her a wealth of professional expertise and a deep understanding of the organization’s history, culture, and future opportunities. 

Hawkins said she is honored to join the Festival’s leadership team and looks forward to working collaboratively with fellow directors, the Festival board, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to build on the organization’s momentum. 

“The Festival has built a strong foundation for the future, and I look forward to strengthening community connections, building meaningful partnerships, and ensuring it continues to reflect the spirit of the community that has supported it for generations,” Hawkins said. “Most of all, I'm excited to listen, learn, and work alongside our community as we write the next chapter together.” 

Board members said Hawkins' appointment follows a comprehensive selection process designed to secure a leader who embodies both high-level capability and a deep love for the region. 

"We conducted an extensive interview process with a national reach, but we did not have to go far to find the perfect fit," Board President Ben Higgs said. "We are so excited to have Caroline join us. Beyond her exceptional qualifications, she is a natural community connector, and that energy will be a tremendous asset to our entire organization as we look to the future." 

A non-profit arts organization, the Festival at Sandpoint hosts an annual summer concert series. This year's concerts will take place July 30 through August 9 at War Memorial Field.

For more information, go to festivalatsandpoint.com.