As WaterFire Providence celebrates 30 years of igniting creativity and community in Rhode Island’s capital city, we’re excited to announce an important new chapter in our leadership.
Mark Allan has joined WaterFire Providence as Interim Executive Director, bringing decades of engagement. He’ll be guiding our organization through a time of strategic growth and transformation, ensuring that WaterFire continues to forster connections across generations and communities.
A Vision for the Future
Mark Allan has already hit the ground running, working closely with our Board of Directors and WaterFire’s Creator and Executive Artistic Director, Barnaby Evans. As we prepare for the 2025 lighting season and beyond, Mark is dedicated to strengthening our organization’s sustainability, enhancing operational effectiveness, and building upon the partnerships that have made WaterFire so impactful over the years.
“Mark is a wonderful new partner who brings great skills and insight to WaterFire as we continue our mission of creating transformational and inspiring art installations that bring tremendous economic value to Providence and Rhode Island,” says Barnaby Evans.
Over the coming months, Mark’s work will focus on several key areas, including strategic planning, external relations, financial management, and ongoing Board development. His efforts will also help pave the way for the recruitment of a permanent Managing Director, ensuring that WaterFire remains a vibrant cultural force for years to come.
Strengthening Our Foundation
Like many arts organizations, WaterFire has faced financial challenges in recent years, particularly as the pandemic and broader economic shifts have affected traditional revenue sources. In 2023, we experienced a significant operating deficit, but through careful planning and adjustments, we made substantial progress in 2024 toward stabilizing our finances.
Funding for Mark Allan’s position comes in part from a discretionary grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, which recognized the need for capacity as WaterFire navigates this critical moment in its journey. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support and commitment to our success.
“WaterFire is committed to overcoming its long-term financial challenges, and our Board of Directors is laser-focused on reimagining how to sustain WaterFire’s future,” says WaterFire Providence Board Chair Kate Bramson.
About Mark Allan
Mark brings with him a rich background of executive leadership in mission-driven nonprofit organizations. As the CEO of four community-based nonprofits over the course of 18 years, he successfully strengthened and expanded each organization. His expertise spans management, consulting, and education, having held leadership roles at Cambridge Health Alliance, Boston Medical Center, Boston University, and the Indian School of Business in Chandigarh, India.
Mark holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Boston University, an MSW from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a BA from Columbia College of Columbia University. He is also a Rhode Island resident based in Warwick, making his work with WaterFire all the more meaningful.
Looking Ahead
With Mark Allan’s guidance and the ongoing support of our incredible community, we’re excited to embark on this chapter for WaterFire Providence. As we prepare for our 2025 season and celebrate three decades of creative success, we remain dedicated to our mission of transforming Providence through art, innovation, and collaboration.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress, upcoming events, and more ways you can get involved. Together, we can ensure WaterFire continues to light up Rhode Island for years to come.
About the author
Over the last 10+ years, alongside some incredible co-workers and volunteers, I've worked to build the organization that WaterFire Providence is today. As Director of Creative Services, my team and I work on visual communications, graphic design, the visitor experience, merchandising as well as project management for programming at the WaterFire Arts Center. Being a part of the 'Rhode Island' experience for tens of thousands of people is incredible and I have an intense pride in place for both Downtown Providence and the Valley neighborhood.
