Natalie Petersen

Natalie Petersen serves as the Assistant Director for the Utah Division of Arts & Museums. She is a passionate advocate for strengthening individuals and communities through cultural engagement, reflected in her broad range of management experience in nonprofit and government sectors. Her work over the last 20+ years has spanned public relations, fundraising, strategic planning, human resources, finance, policy, project management, programming, evaluation, emergency management, and organizational collaborations. She has facilitated and presented on topics ranging from negotiation and leadership to mental health and creativity. Petersen has served as a board member, panelist, and presenter for state, regional, and national organizations, and is a Utah Change Leader and Certified Public Manager. She holds leadership, management, and grant-writing certifications from the University of Utah Nonprofit Academy of Excellence and the Grant Institute. Petersen volunteers with a variety of local to international organizations focused on building peace, supporting women, and protecting the environment. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Western Museums Association and as an Impact Team Leader for the Utah Women & Leadership Project. Petersen has an MSW from Brigham Young University and a BA in Art History with a Studio Art minor from the University of Arizona.