THE NANTUCKET DREAMLAND POSITIONS FOR THE FUTURE – CONFIRMS THREE-YEAR EXTENSION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALICIA CARNEY’S LEADERSHIP AND NAMES KEVIN ANDERSON NEW HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Nantucket, MA — November 11, 2025 — The Nantucket Dreamland Foundation announced today a three-year extension for Executive Director, Alicia Carney’s leadership, along with the promotion of Kevin Anderson to Head of Operations.
Carney, first joined the organization in 2017 and was appointed Executive Director in early 2021. Under her leadership, the Dreamland has expanded first run and independent film programming; grown live theater, music, and performance offerings; enriched youth and adult arts education; launched new community partnerships; expanded venue rentals and enhanced accessibility to cultural programming. Her contributions have strengthened Dreamland’s role as Nantucket’s year-round gathering place for creativity, inspiration, connection, and cultural expression — continuing a legacy that dates back nearly 200 years.
“Alicia has done a terrific job over the past four years as the Executive Director, in leading the Dreamland to its position at the center of Nantucket’s cultural life. She has shaped the vision and managed the execution, and we are delighted to extend her tenure for another three years,” said John Schmidt, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Kevin did a great job this summer managing our operations while Alicia welcomed her second child, and we are pleased to recognize his talents and contributions with this promotion to Head of Operations. Alicia and Kevin lead a dedicated team that is focused on the Dreamland’s mission of enriching the lives of everyone in the Nantucket community by offering first run features, independent films, theater and performing arts, musical events and concerts, storytelling and conversations 365 days a year.”
Anderson, previously served as Hospitality and Operations Director since 2023. His promotion reflects the organization’s continued growth and its investment in operational excellence in support of world-class programming.
“I am proud to continue leading the Dreamland at such a meaningful moment in the island’s cultural life. Our work is rooted in the belief that shared artistic experiences and shared stories strengthen our community, deepen our sense of belonging, and reflect the spirit of Nantucket. I am grateful to our staff, board, patrons, and partners for the trust they place in us. With this remarkable team—and with Kevin’s leadership in operations—we are well-positioned to build on the Dreamland’s rich history and continue expanding year-round opportunities for creativity, inspiration, learning, and connection for everyone who calls Nantucket home,” said Executive Director, Alicia Carney.
Carney and Anderson’s continued leadership reflects the Dreamland’s stability and momentum as a cornerstone of Nantucket’s cultural life. Looking ahead, the organization will continue to steward its historic role while evolving to meet the needs of a growing year-round community — enriching the island’s quality of life and strengthening the connections that bring Nantucket together.