40 Under 40: Ali Baranski

Though her path to her position as the executive director of the Festival at Sandpoint might be considered to be unconventional by some, Ali Baranski's background in operations, business strategy, and event management make her the perfect fit. 

Combined with a love for music and the organization's mission have made the transition feel like it was always meant to be, Baranski said.

Baranski graduated with a degree in exercise sport science and pre-medicine. She began her career with a remote corporate health and wellness position right out of college. As she advanced in the company, she gained extensive experience managing national teams, business operations, budgets, client relations, and large-scale events.

After relocating to her husband Conor’s hometown of Sandpoint, Baranski was determined to get involved in the community and began volunteering and serving on the boards of the Sandpoint Soccer Association and the Festival at Sandpoint.

When the Festival faced a financial and leadership crisis, Baranski left her position on the board to serve as its interim executive director. She worked to streamline the performance series' systems and procedures and led a comprehensive overhaul of financial spending and return-on-investment strategies, ensuring long-term sustainability.

At the same time she was working full-time and caring for her two-year-old and newborn. After four months in the interim role, Baranski was offered the position as the Festival at Sandpoint's executive director position but because of the pandemic, she postponed her official start date to January 2021, continuing as interim director for a total of 15 challenging months.

Baranski has always been a strong proponent of lifelong learning, and her education taught her the importance of setting goals, following through, and pushing herself — skills that allowed her to graduate early and the continue to shape her approach to leadership.

"Stepping into a new industry and leading the resurrection of an organization with limited resources, support, or staffing required resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to learn," she added. "My education, combined with years of experience in business operations, positioned me for the moment the Festival at Sandpoint needed strong, steady leadership the most."

An upbringing on a non-working farm and experiences in multiple sports, 4-H, Campfire, and music offers lessons that have proved to be invaluable — focus, discipline, leadership, vulnerability, courage, and resilience. 

"These experiences laid the foundation for who I am today," she said.

Baranski said she is grateful for the unwavering support of her family — especially my husband, Conor, whose belief in the importance and impact of this work has never wavered. 

"His understanding has allowed me to fully pour myself into stewarding the Festival at Sandpoint through both challenges and growth," she added.

Baranski said she credited the Festival’s Board of Directors, past and present, for their trust, guidance, and invaluable contributions. as well as the 42-year-old nonprofit's generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and passionate supporters. Also deserving of recognition is the Festival's staff with Baranski calling them the heartbeat behind the scenes.

"Without this incredible community, the Festival at Sandpoint would not be what it is today — and neither would my dream job," she added.

Baranski also credit her husband as a source of inspiration on many levels and instills in their family the importance of purpose and contributing to the next generation. 

"Together, we strive to pass down these values to our children, so much so that we have a family motto: 'Baranskis do hard things,'" she added.

She also credits her parents and older brothers for playing a profound role in shaping who she is. Among the lessons — financial literacy, an entrepreneurial mindset, humility, strategic risk-taking, problem-solving, a sense of community and the importance of always doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. 

"Each of these influences has shaped my approach to leadership, perseverance, and purpose in both my personal and professional life," she said.

Her vision and that of the Festival board is bold: securing a permanent venue of its own and expanding its programming to a year-round model. "This ambitious goal will significantly enhance our cultural and economic impact while increasing accessibility for our community," she said. "The past few years have been about stabilizing and strengthening the Festival. Now, I am committed to ensuring its legacy for the next hundred years."

Advice to her younger self: "You are capable of remarkable, difficult, and seemingly insurmountable feats. As Laurel Thatcher Ulrich said, “Well-behaved women rarely make history.” At times, your gender and age will lead others to question your capabilities—but that is their limitation, not yours. Keep breathing deeply, moving forward, and surrounding yourself with those who uplift and challenge you.

"Most importantly, cherish the people you love. Your children will never be as young as they are today — slow down, be present, and soak it in. And above all else, no matter how difficult or unpopular, continue to always choose the ethical path. It is, without fail, the right one."