#whynhbca with Genella McDonald
Merging Art with Enterprise
We're excited to feature Genella McDonald, a dedicated member of the NHBCA Board of Directors and a passionate advocate for the arts in New Hampshire. As a business leader and champion of creative collaboration, Genella shares why she believes in the mission of the NHBCA and how the arts play a vital role in both her business and our state’s cultural landscape.
Q&A with Genella McDonald, President, Stibler Associates
Q: As a member of the NHBCA Board of Directors and a business leader, what excites you about our initiatives?
Genella: "The NHBCA creates opportunities for business leaders and artist entrepreneurs to overlap their typical spheres, sharing a richness of ideas and inspiration. It’s exciting to see this blend of perspectives come together, creating a community where art and business flourish side by side."
Q: Why is being a member of the NHBCA important for your business, and what would you say to someone considering joining?
Genella: "As a commercial interior design firm, Stibler Associates is at the cross-section of business and the arts every day. NHBCA membership is a no-brainer for us! For others, I encourage membership as a recognition of the value the arts play in our state’s economic vitality and wellbeing. Supporting the arts isn't just about patronage—it's about investing in the creative energy that fuels our communities."
Q: How does Stibler Associates demonstrate its commitment to community involvement and support for the arts, and what role do you see the NHBCA playing in these efforts?
Genella: "Our commitment to the arts is woven into everything we do at Stibler Associates. Whether it’s through designing spaces that inspire creativity or supporting local artistic initiatives, we believe in the power of the arts to transform environments. NHBCA plays a pivotal role by providing a platform where the arts and business communities can connect and grow together."
Q: Creativity is central to the work at Stibler Associates. How do you leverage your support of the arts to enhance the quality of life for your employees and clients? Can you share an example?
Genella: "We integrate the arts into our work in both big, obvious initiatives and small, subtle gestures. For example, 2024 is the Lebanon Opera House’s 100th anniversary, and Stibler worked with them to refresh the interior theatre and lobby spaces for this historic milestone. It’s a perfect illustration of using the art of interior design to support the performing arts. Additionally, hands-on craft projects in the office provide a boost to our creativity. Recently, our team designed decorative serving plates using 3Form resin products, combining color, texture, pattern, and light."
Q: What distinct qualities or advantages does the NH Business Committee for the Arts provide that set it apart from other membership organizations?
Genella: "No other networking events that I attend (and there are many!) so successfully integrate the arts into the program. The NHBCA annual awards gala, with its ‘dinner and a show,’ exemplifies why the arts are so important to our community. It’s a celebration that goes beyond the business of networking—it’s a reminder of how the arts enrich our lives and our work."
Thank you, Genella, for sharing your insights and for your commitment to the NHBCA. Your passion for integrating the arts into business serves as an inspiration for others to see the arts not just as an add-on but as a core element of a vibrant community and economy.
Photo credit: Kevin Harkins Photography