Kiersten Birondo

Biography

Kiersten Birondo is a fifth-generation Yooper and an alumnus of both Michigan Tech and Houghton High School. The Rozsa Center has been their artistic home for more than 20 years; Kiersten has been a performer, an audience member, and a staff member. They are thrilled at the opportunity to lead the organization, stepping into the Executive Director role in November 2024.

Kiersten joined the Rozsa in 2021 as the Marketing Manager. They quickly became a key figure in shaping the center's future, leading bold, data-driven initiatives including Pay As You're Able ticketing. Under Kiersten's strategic marketing leadership, 2023/24 was the best-selling season in the history of the Rozsa. 

A passionate believer that the arts should be accessible for all, Kiersten is dedicated to breaking down financial, physical, and cultural barriers to arts access. In addition to Pay As You're Able Ticketing, which reduces economic obstacles for guests, they introduced digital programs to the Rozsa Center. This web-based solution integrates with screen readers, supporting blind and visually impaired patrons while reducing program paper waste by over 80%. Kiersten is currently leading the Rozsa’s efforts to become the first KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certified organization in the Upper Peninsula.

Before coming to the Rozsa, Kiersten served as Director of Marketing and Communications at SteppingStone Theatre for Youth (now Park Square Theatre) in St. Paul, Minnesota. While in Minnesota, Kiersten co-founded Now. Make. Art., an organization that collaborates with community entities such as libraries and parks to provide free, youth-centered multigenerational arts experiences in public spaces.

Kiersten is a strong advocate for the arts administration profession. They currently serve as Vice President of the Michigan Presenters Network and are actively involved in its mentorship program. They have spoken at state and regional conferences on topics including approaching sustainable practices in performing arts venues, ticketing systems and data management, and the intersection of traditional media, social media, and AI.

Kiersten holds a bachelor’s degree in general mathematics from Michigan Tech. They have performed locally with the Pine Mountain Music Festival, Calumet Players, and Michigan Tech Theatre. Outside of the arts, Kiersten enjoys board games, reading, caring for a fairly absurd collection of houseplants, and their latest hobby—biking through beautiful Michigan landscapes.