Karl Blischke

Karl Blischke became executive director of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts in 2018. He has held a variety of senior level public positions and has more than 16 years of hands-on experience and overall managerial responsibility, promoting vibrant and prosperous communities through cultural and economic development. In Pennsylvania, Blischke previously served on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, directing its Arts in Education and Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts programs, which provide unprecedented access to arts funding and technical assistance for the creative industry in the commonwealth’s 67 counties. In Florida, Blischke joined the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, where he was responsible for promoting job creation and community development in the state’s rural communities, and directing programs aimed at increasing access to capital for small businesses. Following this work, Blischke was named director of strategic business development for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, focusing on the state’s efforts to diversify its economy and business attraction, expansion and retention. (Board term: 2020-2025)