Emily Ruddock is a seasoned leader with over 17 years of experience in strategic and management roles within the nonprofit sector. Since 2019, she has served as the Executive Director of MASSCreative, an organization dedicated to building a more vibrant and inclusive creative sector in Massachusetts through advocacy, leadership development, policy initiatives, and coalition-building. Under her leadership, MASSCreative has strengthened the role of arts and culture in the state’s economy, education system, and community development. She also led the creation of the organization’s first leadership development program, the Advocacy and Organizing Fellowship, which equips emerging leaders with the skills to advocate for arts and cultural policy. Additionally, she has championed a community-centered approach to policy development, ensuring that artists and cultural organizations play a central role in shaping public policy—guided by the principle that those with lived experience of the challenges should be at the forefront of crafting solutions.

Before transitioning into public policy and community organizing, Ruddock built a career as a theatre producer and casting director, working with regional theatres to bring compelling stories to the stage. As Artistic Producer at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, she managed artistic operations, hiring, budgeting, and education initiatives while overseeing casting and production logistics. She began her career at Actors Theatre of Louisville, where she collaborated on more than 30 world premiere plays, including works by Idris Goodwin, Molly Smith Metzler, Gina Gionfriddo, and the theatre ensembles Universes, The Civilians, and SITI Company.

Ruddock’s dedication to arts advocacy extends beyond MASSCreative. She was the first director of Lynn’s Downtown Cultural District, where she worked closely with local and state officials to leverage arts and culture as a catalyst for economic growth and community revitalization. Her efforts led to the creation of public art initiatives, free cultural programming, and policy advancements, including the establishment of Lynn’s first Public Art Commission.

A firm believer in the power of the arts to drive social change, Ruddock is passionate about fostering collaboration between artists, policymakers, and community leaders to ensure creative professionals have the resources and recognition they deserve. She frequently speaks at conferences and panels on the role of the arts in civic engagement, economic development, and education.

In addition to her work in advocacy and arts leadership, Ruddock serves on the Board of Directors for the Mass Nonprofit Network. She is also a passionate potter, creating original ceramic art for her home, family, and friends. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and a Bachelor’s Degree from Mount Holyoke College.