willie wittezehler

Willie was raised in Sandpoint, where the first live concerts he ever attended were some of the iconic early Festival at Sandpoint shows. Those experiences sparked a lasting love of music and an appreciation for the Festival as a defining part of the community that raised him.

Willie spent the past 18+ years building his career at Roadtrip Nation, a national nonprofit focused on career exploration and storytelling, with much of that time spent on the road across the country. Now serving as Creative Director, he has helped grow the organization from a small startup into a nationally recognized nonprofit, producing documentaries and educational programs that reach millions of people each year.

After returning to Sandpoint, Willie has been focused on reconnecting with the community that shaped him, and following his father’s example of a lifelong commitment to service to the Festival and the Sandpoint community, Willie has been deepening his engagement with local leadership and community initiatives. He’s excited to bring both his professional experience and personal connection to the Festival as it continues to evolve.

Outside of work, Willie is a major cinephile, an avid reader, and enjoys spending time in nature. He can often be found collaborating with friends on a wide array of creative projects.