Kristen Tidwell
About Kristen
Kristen provides leadership and guidance on grantmaking strategies for BGCF Discretionary, Field of Interest, and Scholarship Funds with the goal of carrying out the donor’s intent; maximizing BGCF’s impact; and furthering BGCF’s commitment to creating opportunities for all people in our region to thrive.
Originally from Louisville, Kristen brings more than 35 years of nonprofit experience to her work. As the daughter of two professional classical musicians, she developed an early passion for music that inspired her pursuit of a career in nonprofit arts administration. While attending college, Kristen worked at the Louisville Orchestra, and a graduate school internship with the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival led to a 14-year tenure with the organization where she served as Director of Development and Outreach. After returning from New Mexico to her hometown, she served in grant writing and fundraising roles for the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and the Clifton Center before moving to Lexington and joining the Blue Grass Community Foundation in 2016.
Kristen lives in Lexington with her husband, Eric Meiners, who is a professor in the Communications Department at Eastern Kentucky University. In her time outside the office, Kristen enjoys singing, attending concerts, baking, gardening, entertaining, and traveling with her husband.
Education
- B.A. in Humanities, University of Louisville
- M.A./M.B.A. in Arts Administration, University of Cincinnati – College Conservatory of Music