Welcoming Caitie Hilverman as Executive Director
The Spark of Hudson is delighted to introduce our new Executive Director, Caitie Hilverman. Her unique blend of local roots, community leadership, academic background, and startup experience makes her the perfect match for our mission.
Caitie was born and raised right here in Hudson, NY. She left for college and graduate school and returned to Hudson in 2018, as she wanted to raise her family in Hudson. Her deep connection and commitment to the area and its people fuels her passion for local development and community growth.
Caitie's commitment to community service is exemplified by her role as President of the Hudson Area Library Board. Her experience in overseeing the operations of this large, inclusive community institution has provided her with invaluable insights into the dynamics of community-based organizations. Caitie's leadership at the library has enriched her ability to guide The Spark toward becoming an integral part of Hudson's fabric.
Caitie’s academic background is also well-suited to The Spark’s mission. With PhD in cognitive psychology, her research focused on the mechanisms of learning and memory. Caitie's academic background equips her with a deep understanding of how people learn and engage with information, which we hope will drive The Spark's educational initiatives to new heights.
Over the past five years, Caitie has honed her skills and adaptability in the world of startups, particularly in the field of mental health tech. Startup environments demand versatility, a willingness to wear many hats, and the ability to navigate the challenges of scaling innovation. Caitie's experience in this realm positions her well to lead The Spark's multifaceted initiatives and ventures.
Outside of The Spark, Caitie is a business owner for the newly-opened Homecrafted, a maker’s market and learning center on Healy Blvd. She and her partner, Ron Hilverman, are together raising their kids, Poppy and Clifford. It's her family that drives her passion for creating a community-centric space at the Spark—one where all families can flourish.
The Spark of Hudson is excited to welcome Caitie Hilverman as our Executive Director. Her leadership will undoubtedly ignite innovation, foster learning, and continue to serve Hudson in dynamic and meaningful ways.
Caitie herself shares this excitement, saying, "I'm thrilled to join The Spark of Hudson and be involved in the innovative, collaborative work that this organization is doing in our community.”
We invite you to join us in extending a warm welcome to Caitie as she embarks on this exciting journey with us. Together we look forward to a future filled with growth, learning, and community-building.