FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 20, 2026
Media Contact: Pam Komar, Touchstone Center for Crafts, media@touchstonecrafts.org
Lindsay Ketterer Gates to step down as Executive Director; Pam Komar appointed as Interim
Farmington, PA—Touchstone Center for Crafts announced a leadership transition with Lindsay Ketterer Gates, Executive Director, stepping down after eight years of service to the organization, effective August 31, 2026. Touchstone’s Board of Directors has appointed Touchstone’s Development Director Pam Komar as Interim Executive Director with a national search to identify new executive leadership to begin this fall.
Lindsay Ketterer Gates is credited for her vision, leadership, and the creative and functional strides made over the last eight years. Under her executive leadership, Touchstone acquired and activated an Ohiopyle property now known as Touchstone by the Falls, while continuing to provide strong strategic guidance to fortify and refine operations and engagement at Touchstone Farmington, launching a Joint Artist Residency with the renowned Fallingwater, positioning Touchstone as a cultural mainstay in arts, education, and creative placemaking in Fayette County and beyond. Since 2018, Lindsay secured over $8.7 million in contributed revenue for the organization.
Gates reflects, “While I am stepping away from executive leadership at Touchstone, I will continue to be a proud supporter of the organization and advocate for artists and the arts. I leave with tremendous confidence in Touchstone’s future and in the people who will lead the organization into its next chapter.”
“Touchstone’s future is bright,” attests Board of Directors Chairperson Roy W. Arnold. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving artists, students, audiences, and communities through exceptional craft education and creative experiences.” Regarding the appointment of Pam Komar as Interim Executive Director beginning September 1, 2026, Arnold remarks, “The Board has every confidence in Pam’s ability to provide steady, effective leadership during this transition. Her understanding of the organization, commitment to the arts, and strong relationships throughout the Touchstone community make her well-positioned to guide Touchstone during this transitional period.”
About Touchstone Center for Crafts
Touchstone Center for Crafts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression. Occupying more than 230 acres across two campuses in Pennsylvania’s Laurel
Highlands, including its historic Farmington campus and Touchstone by the Falls in Ohiopyle, Touchstone provides transformative creative experiences for artists and arts enthusiasts of all backgrounds and skill levels. Through hands-on learning and community-centered programming, Touchstone inspires creativity, nurtures artistic growth, and strengthens connections between artists, audiences, and place. For more information, visit touchstonecrafts.org.