2017 Class List

Emika Abe Sara Clark Management Associate Practice Solutions Manager Troutman Sanders LLP [email protected] [email protected]

Neda Abghari Myrna Clayton Founder & Executive Director Executive Director The Creatives Project Abel 2, Inc. [email protected] [email protected]

Nikki Barjon Patty Dees Founder Director of Education Barjon Group/Crownville Booth Western Art Museum [email protected] [email protected]

Rita Bazinet Rebekah Diaddigo Visual Artist Founder Rita Bazinet Visual Artist Bluebird Uncaged [email protected] [email protected]

Ted Bradford Anna Dunn Founder Community Arts Liaison RealCity DeKalb School of the Arts [email protected] [email protected]

Siobhan Brumbelow Peter Dyer Education Manager Owner, Director Elm Street Cultural Arts Village I.D.E.A.,LLC IDEAChamblee [email protected] [email protected]

Miriam Bruns Robert Edwards Executive Director Facility Coordinator/AV Staging Coordinator Goethe-Zentrum Cobb County Government/Mable House [email protected] Barnes Amphitheatre [email protected] Gretchen Butler Managing Director Catherine Fitch Serenbe Playhouse Conflicts Analyst [email protected] Greenberg Traurig, LLP [email protected]

Thomas Fowlkes Deborah Landry Managing Director Project Guru Horizon Theatre Company Engaging Arts [email protected] [email protected]

Amy Gates Annie Latta [email protected] Program Manager, Center for Collaborative and International Arts (CENCIA) Dianne Harnell Cohen State University Chair of the Board [email protected] Serenbe Institute for Arts, Culture and Environment Nicole Michalec [email protected] Manager of Long-Term Giving & The Transformation Campaign Elizabeth Hartnett Santamaria The Director of Institutional Giving [email protected] Aurora Theatre [email protected] Jessica Miller [email protected] Donna Jackson Principal Susan Mitchell Clayton County Public Schools Director, Operations [email protected] Dunwoody Nature Center [email protected] Alexander Johnson President/Founder Keith Nabb Triton Media Group Board member [email protected] City of Suwanee Public Arts Commission [email protected] Brandall Jones [email protected] Florena Oliver CFO Jonathan Katz DeKalb School of the Arts Foundation Program Associate [email protected] Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta [email protected] Marion Phillips Research Analyst Marissa Kessler Georgia Power Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations - [email protected] Office of Advancement The Woodruff Arts Center Elizabeth Poland [email protected] [email protected]

Angela Khoury Monica Prothro Executive Director Art Program Manager Alif Institute City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural [email protected] Affairs [email protected] Sarah LaDart Economic Development Manager City of Milton, GA [email protected]

Laura Relyea Elizabeth Williamson Executive Editor Executive Director ArtsATL Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. [email protected] [email protected]

Kristen Silton Erin Wright Development Director Lead Producer, "City Lights with Lois Reitzes" Actor's Express WABE [email protected] [email protected]

Christopher Swain Business License Coordinator Atlanta Regional Commission Staff City of East Point Georgia [email protected] Josh Phillipson Principal Program Specialist, Arts & Culture Elliott Tapp Community Partnerships Division Senior Associate Atlanta Regional Commission King & Spalding LLP [email protected] [email protected] Katrina DeBerry Candy Tate Principal, Special Programs Assistant Director Community Partnerships Division Emory Center for Creativity & Arts Atlanta Regional Commission [email protected] [email protected]

Tasha Tavaras Stephen Causby Case Manager/Social Media Manager Manager Georgia Lawyers for the Arts Community Partnerships Division [email protected] Atlanta Regional Commission [email protected] Donna Thompson Owner SLC, Inc. [email protected]

Nikki Toombs Director of Education Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company [email protected]

John Welker Retired Dancer and Founder of 's Wabi Sabi Atlanta Ballet [email protected]

Doreen Williams Commissioner, Post 2 Rockdale County Government [email protected]

Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta – 2017 Class Bios

Emika Abe Emika Abe is Management Associate at the Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center, where she executes budgets and contracts and leads strategic projects for the organization. She also serves as Co- Chair of the Alliance’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Emika moved to Atlanta last year after finishing graduate school with an MFA in Theater Management from Yale School of Drama and an MBA from Yale School of Management. While at Yale, she led a team of colleagues to successfully raise $250k to support students pursuing social sector internships, and she produced 4 world premiere plays at the Yale Cabaret. Emika has previously held positions at prominent theaters across the country including Yale Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Center Theatre Group, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She knows firsthand how the arts can develop individuals and strengthen communities, and she is activated every day to contribute to the cultural life of Atlanta and to the national theater field. When she is not at the theater, Emika enjoys cooking vegan meals, listening to podcasts, rooting for the San Francisco Giants, and exploring her new hometown

Neda Abghari Neda Abghari, The Creatives Project (TCP) Founder and Executive Director, is a photographer, a curator, and an arts advocate native to Atlanta. For over a decade she has used her experience in the arts, education, community, and commerce to connect, engage, and inform communities through the cultivation of strategic partnerships locally and nationally for the promotion of the Arts and social activism. In 2011, with the support of Atlanta's community at large, Neda founded TCP. With Abghari as Executive Director, TCP's award winning Artist-in-Residency & Education Programs have supported over 40 artists in the form of free studio space, subsidized housing, and career development training, while impacting the lives of over 150 youth through arts mentorship and outreach.

Serving as a founding board member of ACT/ART, she has worked with The White House to bring contemporary art back into the forefront of public policy. She is currently a member of the Fulton County Public Art Committee, and has participated in numerous panels and lectures for Emory University, Creative Loafing, The Atlanta Regional Commission, and The White House.

As an arts consultant and buyer, Neda has placed dozens of artists nationwide with commercial brands including the likes of Cuervo 1800, Bloomingdales, Details Magazine, AFROPUNK festival, and SCOPE International Contemporary Arts Fair.

Neda’s photography has been featured in Atlanta Magazine, Miami Magazine, New York Magazine, Paste, Sense & Style, TimeOut New York, and USA Today. Her clients also include Lionsgate Films and Asthmatic Kitty, Universal Republic, WARP, and Wind Up Records. Her portraits have been included in numerous exhibitions and have been commissioned for private collections nationwide

Nikki Barjon Nikki Barjon has developed an impressive track record for bringing a fresh eye and a creative vision to a formidable list of clients. Before 30, she had already worked with some of the most recognized names and brands in the world. For more than 15 years, Barjon has been a trusted adviser to America’s top leaders and global influencers for some of the world’s leading corporations to top entertainers.

Barjon has broad experience in all aspects of communications with a focus on creating integrated strategies around branding, public relations, advertising, marketing, positioning strategies and media relations—and has spearheaded global campaigns around the world from Greece-to-Ethiopia-to-Tokyo, to name a few. She is a highly sought after, go-to-person for corporations, politicians, NPO’s and celebrities in need of branding, public relations strategies, integrated communications, crisis management and repositioning.

Her firm has been called to support some of the world’s largest brands with everything from helping C- suite executives master high-stakes communications to rolling out integrated branding campaigns for some of today’s biggest stars and brightest minds. Her project list is deep and includes the representation of high-end brands such as Bentley Motors, several luxury hotels, corporate, celebrity and high net-worth clients in film, television, business, sports and music. In addition to, #1 television networks, Lifetime Television and syndication giant, Kingworld/CBS, just to name a few.

After years of working in nearly every facet of communications and entertainment including, management, integrated marketing, public relations/publicity, international consumer sales, digital and technology, etc., Barjon now brings a wide range of experience and a keen understanding of the ever- changing nature of branding and the communications industry. Credited with helping turn brands and people into household names, Barjon now focuses on using her skills to create and execute community transformation campaigns and rolling out her new children’s program, Crownville.

Barjon was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University where she received a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a full scholarship as captain of the Women’s Track Team.

Rita Bazinet Rita Bazinet is a painter with a studio practice based in Decatur, Georgia. Raised in Connecticut, she came to Atlanta after two years at Rhode Island School of Design, where she studied sculpture and architecture. After completing her BFA in graphic design at Georgia State University, she had a successful career as a graphic designer before pursuing her true passion for art and painting.

Rita’s paintings explore internal contradictions of abandon and control as well as conflicts of the human spirit. The physicality of movement and surface in the paintings reveal restless energy and catharsis as well as the existence of multiple points of view. Her paintings are evolving in two directions. Social and political ideas are prominent in her work, and she has chosen to work directly and confrontationally in some areas while moving toward abstraction and less direct narrative in other works.

Rita’s paintings can be viewed on her website: http://www.ritabazinet.com and on Instagram @ritabazinetpainter

Ted Bradford Ted Bradford is an Atlanta booster and a lover of cities and city life. After growing up in Washington DC, he was drawn to Atlanta by the cheap rent, good weather and the opportunities it provided as an ascendant city. While attending grad school at Georgia State for Urban Policy Studies, he became involved in neighborhood organizations in his community and served on city boards and commissions as a community representative. From there, he proudly served District 5 Councilmember Natalyn Archibong as her Chief of Staff, working with constituents, businesses and government agencies in southeast Atlanta. With his background in urban policy and experience with community advocacy and local government, Ted started RealCity, a consulting and development company, in order to apply his values to the business of commercial real estate. Through a strategic partnership with Gene Kansas Commercial Real Estate, RealCity provides brokerage services to help buy, sell and lease properties in the heart of downtown Atlanta. He remains active in his community and is an advocate for smart growth and thoughtful development.

Siobhan Brumbelow Siobhan Brumbelow holds a B.A. in Theatre from Brenau University and has toured northern U.S. and Canada with Missoula Children’s Theatre. She has been involved with the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village since 2002. She has had many responsibilities with this theatre organization including: directing, teaching, choreographing, and managing & performing with the iThink Improv and Elm Street’s Repertory Touring Troupe: RepTouR. She is also a resident playwright and has written many short scripts and plays for Elm Street including "Rapunzel" and "A Christmas Carol."

Miriam Bruns Miriam Bruns is the executive director of the Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta, the official cultural and language representative of Germany in the . Ms. Bruns strives, in her position as director, to foster education, the arts, and international cultural understanding. From 2007 through 2012, she headed the organization’s program and education departments.

Before moving to Atlanta from Germany, Ms. Bruns taught Modern German Literature and Foreign Language Pedagogy at Braunschweig University and worked in banking as a customer consultant. Ms. Bruns obtained a master’s degree from Braunschweig University (Germany) in English and German literature and linguistics. Concurrently she obtained a teaching certificate in the field of teaching German as a foreign language. She was awarded a DAAD (German Academic Exchange) Scholarship by the German Government to study at Scotland’s Aberdeen University. Ms. Bruns is currently finishing her master’s degree in nonprofit management.

Ms. Bruns is a member of the advisory council of Emory University’s German Department, a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive designation awarded by CFRE International.

Gretchen Butler Gretchen Butler has been working in Atlanta as a stage manager, production manager, and arts administrator since 1998. Gretchen received her BA in Theatre from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in 1998, then went on to receive her MFA in Theatre Management from the Hilberry Theatre at Wayne State University in 2001. Upon completion of that degree, Gretchen moved to Atlanta and spent 5 years as a freelance Stage Manager working in venues including Theatre in the Square, Theater Emory, Jewish Theatre of the South, Georgia Ensemble Theatre and Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. In 2006, Gretchen joined the staff of Georgia Ensemble Theatre in Roswell as their Production Manager where she oversaw their Production Department, providing support and supervision for eight productions each season. In the summer of 2014, Gretchen joined Serenbe Playhouse as their Company Manager and in January of 2015 became their first Managing Director.

Sara Clark As a lifelong Metro Atlantan, I have seen our city go through a lot of changes. As a board member for the Freedom Park Conservancy for the last year, I have tried to influence some of these changes as an advocate for City of Atlanta residents and park patrons. After earning my Masters in Public Administration from Georgia State in 2014, I have channeled my expertise, organizational skills, and passion into advancing the public art program in Freedom Park. I currently chair the Communications committee for the board, and I relish opportunities to learn better methods of engaging the public on behalf of our organization. In the near future, I will be establishing an Arts Council for the board, which will guide us in acquisition, selection, and placement of public art in “Atlanta’s Art Park.” In my day job as the IT Practice Solutions Manager at Troutman Sanders LLP, I have the privilege of helping people match technology solutions to their business needs. I’m also an indie movie buff, former college radio DJ at WUOG, and proud owner of two adorable grey tabbies.

Myrna Clayton Nothing compares to the live performances of America’s Songbird Myrna Clayton. As a professional singer, Myrna Clayton travels worldwide singing and causing audiences to sing and dance with her! Whether performing in theater halls, festivals or churches, in Germany, France, UK, Nigeria, Russia, Belarus and of course cities across the US, Myrna performs Jazz, Soul, Gospel, Pop, and R&B. (visit her website at www.MyrnaClayton.com to learn more)

Myrna has an MBA with Corporate Marketing experience working in new product and new business development. After switching careers, Myrna noticed a gap in the entertainment marketing place for the disabled and started Abel 2, Inc. - a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Abel 2’s goals are: 1) to increase the profile of artists and audiences with disabilities for employment and enjoyment, 2) to create change agents that work to go beyond basic ADA and dismantle unintended barriers, and 3) to promote empowered advocacy against socialized invisibility. Abel 2 is currently seeking performing artists with disabilities to create a database for Georgia and the Southeast. “Everybody Deserves A Stage” (Visit www.Abel2.org to learn more)

NOTE: People with Disabilities represent the largest minority population in the US (56.7 million) and the only one that anyone can join.

Patty Dees Patty Petrey Dees is the Director of Education at Booth Western Art Museum, the second largest art museum in Georgia and a Smithsonian Affiliate. Dees received her B.A. in Art History at Queens University of Charlotte and continued her studies at University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Museum Studies and Art History. Dees began her museum career serving as the Education Assistant at the Mint Museum of Art and the Assistant Curator of Education at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dees has presented workshops on arts infusion and interactive learning at numerous national and international conferences, including SEMC and ISTE.

Directly prior to the Booth, Dees served as Distance Learning Director at the , the largest non-profit dedicated to the art of puppetry in the U.S. Dees founded the Center’s Distance Learning Program in 1997, making the Center one of the first arts agencies in the nation to provide arts education programming via videoconferencing. The program garnered 20 industry awards since its inception, including a 2014 USDLA 21st Century Award /Best Practices in Distance Learning, a Tech Laureate Award/Microsoft Education Category (The Tech Museum), and 8 consecutive Teachers’ Favorite Awards (CILC).

Rebekah Diaddigo As the founder of Bluebird Uncaged, Rebekah’s passion is to bring hope and dignity through dance. From sitting mesmerized by the Nutcracker as a toddler to training at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education, she has experienced the power, freedom, and joy in using dance to communicate.

Rebekah is a freelance artist in the Atlanta area most recently dancing Swanhilda for Ballet Southeast’s production of Coppelia. She has performed with the Proia Dance Project and Southern Arc as well as been a guest artist with Telluride Dance Academy and Gotta Dance Contemporary.

Rebekah is currently on faculty with Still Pointe Studios and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education but what excites her most is traveling internationally (she's led four trips to Panama, Central America to serve the community through dance) and working on multimedia choreography through Bluebird Uncaged. Her choreographic credits include: White Umbrella (a short film telling the story of a trafficking survivor from bondage to redemption), Victoria Canal's City Shoes music video, Uncaged Christmas (a benefit performance for City of Refuge), and part of the opener for Passion 2014.

Rebekah holds a BA in Communications from Thomas Edison State University and is working on a certificate in Theological Studies through the Passion Global Institute. When she's not in the studio, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her family, reading, winding down with hand-embroidery or making flower crowns.

Anna Dunn Ms. Dunn has worked as the DeKalb School of the Arts’ Ballet Mistress since 2006. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dunn directs the school’s annual Nutcracker in a Nutshell and the Spring Ballet. She has set excerpts of several classic works on DSA’s students including Coppelia, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, La Bayadere, Cinderella, The Firebird, and Raymunda. She also serves the school as the Community Arts Liaison connecting DSA with opportunities in the broader community and working with students and staff to advocate for the arts.

Dunn received her Master’s in Arts Administration in 2014 from Goucher College and her Bachelor’s in Dance Education in 2005 from Winthrop University. She is proud to be a certified teacher with the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance in London, England. Other teacher training includes the Ballet Intensive from Moscow’s Vaganova Teacher’s Workshop.

In addition to teaching at DSA, she is the assistant to the director and assistant stage manager for Sawnee Ballet Theatre where she received her initial training. She is also the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Dance Canvas, a non-profit organization which promotes the next generation of dance artists.

Peter Dyer Born and raised in London. Came to the US working for the fledgling Virgin Group for Richard Branson. Worked in the music business during the punk and post punk era. Background in Education and Art, specialized in working with students with language/learning differences. 35 years as an educator and entrepreneur, working with nonprofits and private education institutions. Certified Microsoft systems engineer, Former Director of Innovation and the Arts at The Galloway School in Atlanta. Co-owner of IDEA Gallery in Chamblee Georgia.

Robert Edwards Robert was born and raised in Cobb County Georgia. He graduated from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw Georgia and later went on to attend The State University of West Georgia where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre.

Mr. Edwards is currently the facility manager for the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre as well as the Audio, Visual and Staging Coordinator for Cobb County P.A.R.K.S. Previous to his employment by Cobb County Government, Robert worked for Entertainment Design Group as a production manager. Robert has also had the pleasure of working for The Coca-Cola Company, E-Trade and Six Flags over Georgia and has over 20 years of live event production experience.

Catherine Fitch Catherine serves on the Fulton County Arts Council. She is a conflicts analyst at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Previously, she lobbied for the Judicial Council of Georgia and was counsel for the House Judiciary Committee of the Georgia General Assembly. Catherine earned her A.B.J. from UGA and her J.D. from GSU’s College of Law, where she was legislation co-editor of the Law Review.

Her oldest daughter, Alexandra, is a film major at GSU. Her youngest daughter, Sabrina, is a sophomore at Johns Creek High School.

Thomas Fowlkes Thomas Fowlkes is the Managing Director of Horizon Theatre Company, a professional theatre focused on new works and contemporary plays, based in . Fowlkes was most recently creative manager at Jamestown, LP, where he played a key role in the creation of the rooftop experience at Ponce City Market in Atlanta. Prior to joining the development initiative, he was the director of production at the Atlanta Ballet. He also worked in with Charles Cosler Theatre Design, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and Barbizon Electric Company. He served as the director of production for Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago and was instrumental in the creation of their new facility at the Water Tower Water Works. As an award winning theatrical lighting designer for theater and dance, he has designed in New York, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta among others, as well as had touring designs all over the world. As an Atlanta native, he is happy to be back working in his hometown. Fowlkes received his education from Rice University and studied nonprofit management at the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.

Amy Gates My background has primarily been spent within educationally based organizations until this past year. I spent 15 years in the public schools as a teacher and later a building and district administrator in CT. The rest of my career has been spent in nonprofit work at the executive level in both CT and GA. My position with the Roswell Arts Fund is my first professional position within the art world, but I had worked on several committees and volunteered with several organizations who utilized arts and culture to engage youth and revive communities. Through this work I grew to love the power of the arts to transform communities by enhancing public spaces, increasing social vitality, and contributing to a strong economy. I became Executive Director of the Roswell Arts Fund, a very new nonprofit, in April 2016 and I have been busy getting to know the arts leaders, arts organizations, facilities, strengths, and challenges facing the arts community in Metro Atlanta and am looking forward to the ALMA program and continued learning and networking.

Dianne Harnell Cohen Dianne Harnell Cohen is a realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty and serves as the chair of the board for Serenbe Institute for Arts, Culture and the Environment. She previously served eight years as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs for City of Atlanta under Mayor Shirley Franklin.

Elizabeth Hartnett Santamaria Liz Hartnett Santamaria (Director of Institutional Giving, Aurora Theatre) graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Agnes Scott College with a B.A. in Theatre and French, and has an M.A. from NYU’s Institute of French Studies and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Before joining the team at Aurora Theatre, Liz was Development Director at Synchronicity Theatre for three years, where she led the successful first year of the Transition Campaign for Synchronicity Theatre. Before that, she served as General Director of Théâtre du Rêve Atlanta’s French- language professional theatre company, where she produced the national and international tour of Voir un ami pleurer, Microfiction ATL, The Red Balloon, the commission of the new play Celles d’en haut, among others. She has extensive arts administration and production experience in Atlanta theatre. Liz has been involved with companies and projects across the Atlanta arts community: performer for Elevate | Art Above Underground, Group Sales Manager for Georgia Shakespeare, Recommending Judge for the Suzi Awards, translator/interpreter for the U.S. Koltès Project, Emory University Chorus, Agnes Scott College and more.

Donna Jackson Donna Jackson has spent the last sixteen years as an administrator in Clayton County Public Schools. She opened James A. Jackson Elementary school in August, 2003. In August, 2009 she started the first elementary School of the Arts in the Southern Crescent featuring Dance, Theater, Visual Art, Music and Media Arts for grades K-5.

She has presented an arts focused curriculum nationally for numerous educational conferences on the positive impact of the arts for increased student achievement. She has reviewed books on creativity for a national publisher and published several articles on the impact of the arts on student achievement.

Dr. Jackson earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and Masters in Elementary Education from Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe, LA ; a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS.

She believes that through the Arts, students can excel within their creative talents. The promotion of the Arts for Clayton County Public Schools are set forth in the mission of integrating the Arts to develop a learning community where students achieve high academic standards, develop good citizenship qualities and enhance their artistic expression.

Alexander Johnson Alexander Johnson, President and Founder of Triton Media Group, is a media executive and brand consultant with more than two decades of first-hand experience creating dynamic communication in every phase of entertainment, journalism, and business. From Geraldo Rivera, Now It Can Be Told, A Current Affair, and Hard Copy to ABC’s 20/20, World News Tonight, and Good Morning America, he has held various positions as reporter, anchor, associate producer, and producer. As SVP of Production, he also led the launch of Latin America’s PSN (Pan American Sports Network) and helped develop Egypt’s Al Balad TV network.

Alexander started his broadcast career working as an Associate Producer at WNBC in New York, then branched into syndicated television, and eventually was invited to join ABC News by Roone Arledge. Most recently, Alexander served as host of Q & A, on PBS affiliate WLIW.

Alexander studied television production and electronic journalism at New York Institute of Technology, and marketing, news writing and reporting at New School for Social Research and New York Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Alexander is a native of Panama. He's passionate about play-writing, singing jazz and studying the piano.

Brandall Jones Brandall Jones recently serves our arts community as the Special Assistant for New Projects and Initiatives for the Fulton County Arts and Culture department. Having graduated from SCAD-Savannah in Performing Arts in 2015, Brandall's passion is telling stories and giving others the opportunity to tell their stories through performance. Previously, Brandall worked for People Store Talent Agency in Atlanta and the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, TN.

Jonathan Katz Jonathan Katz administers several competitive grantmaking programs, including the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund and A Place to Perform, and builds relationships with new and prospective donors to the Community Foundation. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Jonathan worked in nonprofit fundraising and development, most recently for the 92nd Street Y in New York City. He also works as a freelance writer focusing on the culture of food and drink. Jonathan is a graduate of Skidmore College with a degree in English. When he’s not in the office, you can usually find him riding his road bike on the Beltline trail.

Marissa Kessler Marissa Kessler is currently the Director of Strategic Initiatives & Operations for The Woodruff Arts Center. Originally from Richmond, VA, she relocated to Atlanta after graduating from the University of Virginia with dual degrees in Arts History and Religious Studies. Outside of the Arts Center, Marissa is a certified barre fitness instructor, currently teaching at DEFINE body & mind.

Angela Khoury Angela Khoury was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. Despite civil war and its imposing burden, Angela pursued engineering, graduating from l’Ecole Superieure des Ingenieurs de Beyrouth in 1990. She worked for 20 years in the private sector, while also involved in several non-profit organizations. Angela’s professional career started in France, June of 1991. At the time, the small software company Murex constituted of less than 20 employees; presently it has 1800 employees worldwide.

In September of 1992, Angela and her husband relocated to the US, where she continued working remotely with Paris. As the company grew over the years Angela moved past software development and customer service, and took charge in leading new initiatives and teams. She created and managed the integration team (1995-2000), designed and managed the training department, which expanded from Paris to Dublin, New-York and Singapore (2000-2007), and built a centralized data repository with a complete workflow and process that allowed communication between the company’s different data types across its various departments (2007-2010).

In parallel to her professional life, Angela was always involved in various volunteer positions with varied organizations, primarily the Alif Institute. In 2009, Angela was invited to become Chair of the Strategic Planning committee of the Alif Institute. Angela then took the responsibility of co-chairing two years in a row a major festival organized by the Institute: the Atlanta Arab Festival, which took place in April of 2010 and in April of 2011.

In September 2010, after almost 20 years of working in the private sector, Angela retired and decided to dedicate more time to the non-profit sector, particularly to the Alif Institute. In January of 2011 Angela joined the Board of Directors of the Alif Institute. She is currently serving as the Interim Executive Director of Alif Institute.

Sarah LaDart Sarah is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Milton, Georgia and enjoys being part of the team as they double their population over the next 20 years. She has recently been charged with leading the Milton Cultural Art Committee to develop a vision of what art looks like in Milton in an effort to enhance the quality of life for the residents and business community, encourage local exploration, generate civic pride, showcase local artists, and increase tourism.

Together with her husband, they own a digital agency, Vroom Digital, where their passion is turning great ideas into compelling digital products.

Sarah serves as the Co-Chair for WellStar North Fulton's Women’s Advisory Board, participated with the ARC’s Millennial Advisory Committee, serves as a Wedding Guild member at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, and volunteers with Saint Joseph’s Hospital’s Angels of Mercy. She is a graduate of the Alliance Innovation Academy (2016), ARC's Regional Leadership Institute (2012), and Leadership North Fulton (2010).

Sarah earned her MBA from Kennesaw State University and her bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, both with a focus on marketing. She lives in Marietta with her husband and their two children, Sloan (4) and Ellie (2 1/2).

Deborah Landry I run a company called Engaging Arts. We make art accessible to all, by fostering artistic collaboration between businesses, organizations and local communities. In collaboration we transform places, communities and individuals. We use art to break, geography, language, economic, and social boundaries. Our process empowers all involved, fostering the idea everyone can be a change agent. Our art builds bridges of connection and understanding creating inspired communities and individuals. We provide the tools for people to see and seize artful possibilities everywhere. Aspire artist to thrive and the public to appreciate the artist within.

I received two vibrant communities grants to work with the boys and girls club in Dallas and Douglasville Ga. We are creating a temporary installation about pollinators at Douglasville and making banners for Dallas historic district. I have created public art sculptures and mosaic murals in the Chicago area and in Georgia. I had a temporary sculpture on the Atlanta Beltline fall 2016. I am currently building a clean studio for painting and printmaking. I am also working toward making my art sustainable by growing and producing my own art materials. For example, I am growing plants that I can make paper from and I have a bee hive that gives me wax for encaustic painting.

Annie Latta I hold an MHP in Historic Preservation from the University of Kentucky, an MA in International Preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design, and a BA in History from Indiana University. I am originally from Pittsburgh but have lived all over the country – from New York to Alaska – and have been in Atlanta since 2012. In my current position as the Program Manager for the Center for Collaborative and International Arts (CENCIA) at Georgia State University, I collaborate with faculty to host a variety of international arts programs. The Center has sponsored projects ranging from film, theater, and dance to visual arts, creative writing, and music. I am most interested in the relationships between community, art, culture, and place.

Nicole Michalec Nicole is the Manager of Long-Term Giving and the Transformation Campaign at the Woodruff Arts Center. She is currently working on the $110 million Transformation Campaign, which will physically transform the campus and provide greater access to the arts. Previously she was a Programs Educator at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, where she managed their children’s exhibit, as well as coordinating a variety of drop-in programs, educational carts, and special exhibit interactive spaces. Nicole has a Bachelor’s degree in studio art with a focus on sculpture as well as degree in art education. She is certified to teach art to K-12th grade students in the state of Georgia. Nicole serves on the board of directors and is an officer for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the careers of young professionals through networking, educational opportunities, and financial assistance. Nicole and her husband John live in the Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta. They enjoy walking the Beltline with their two dogs, Doodle and Louie.

Jessica Miller An Atlanta native, Jessica Miller came to BURNAWAY from Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, where she was the Marketing and Publicity Director from 2013 to ’16, as well as Gallery Assistant from January 2015 to July 2016. Previously, Miller worked as an administrator for the Hambidge Art Auction and assisted with the Art Papers auction. Miller received her BFA with a concentration in sculpture from Georgia State University in 2012. Her work has been shown at the Mason Murer, MINT Gallery, and Kibbee Gallery.

Susan Mitchell Susan is a tri-sector professional with experience in corporate, government and non-profit leadership roles. Currently she serves as the Director of Operations for the Dunwoody Nature Center with direct responsibility for finance, business operations, fundraising and development. As part of the Nature Center’s strategic goal to serve as “the soul of the community,” its board and staff continually seek ways to bring art into the 22-acre park. The Nature Center’s annual concert series, its theater productions and, most recently, its inaugural ‘Hoos in the Forest sculpture installation, which Susan conceived and managed, attest to this commitment. She is delighted to be part of this year’s Arts Leaders program and is eager to introduce the Nature Center to a wider constituency and bring transformational arts experiences to the Dunwoody Nature Center. Susan holds a BA from Notre Dame of Maryland and an MBA from Emory University.

Keith Nabb I am a lifelong resident of the Atlanta region and Gwinnett County. I have a passion for citizen input into improving their communities, citizen leadership and public art. I am a resident of Suwanee GA and have my business located there with 11 employees. The Suwanee Public Arts Commission provided me access to this program as I am a member of their Arts Board and benefactor for the local arts association.

Florena Oliver Florena current serves as Vice President of Operations for the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC). In this position, Florena is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the council as well as the programs and activities designed to support the over 700 ethnic minority business that are constituents and the more than 180 corporate members of GMSDC.

Florena also serves as the CFO for the DeKalb School of the Arts Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to provide support for the arts programs at this highly ranked Georgia School. In 2016, the foundation inducted their first two distinguished alumni, Georgia Representative Stacey Abrams and Met Opera Finalist, Reginald Smith, Jr.

With all of these accomplishments the one that she is most proud of is her daughter, Bria. An Impact Manager with City Year- DC an AmeriCorps program mentoring students in the Washington, DC school system.

Marion Phillips Marion is honored to be a part of ALMA. She is a research analyst in the Community and Economic Development department at Georgia Power, responsible for researching and analyzing a wide variety of information and data to recruit businesses to Georgia. She holds a bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Richmond in Virginia and a master’s in City and Regional Planning from . Marion moved to Atlanta is 2012 for graduate school and has enjoyed exploring Atlanta’s robust arts and culture scene. Though she lacks artistic talent herself, she is an avid patron of the arts, particularly the theater, both local and Broadway, art museums, and live music. She had the privilege of growing up in a household that appreciated the arts and hopes her participation in this program will give her the tools to help ensure the arts are available for all Atlantans. Marion lives in with her Cavalier King Charles puppy, Jackson.

Elizabeth Poland Elizabeth was recently the Development Associate for the Reynoldstown-based nonprofit, WonderRoot. She writes grants, organizes fundraising events, implements fundraising campaigns, and runs the membership program. Elizabeth studied public relations at The University of Georgia and just finished a Master's program in Business Design and Arts Leadership from SCAD. She is passionate about activism and social work and how to use art for these purposes. She is looking forward to collaborating with other arts leaders in Atlanta and expanding her knowledge on arts, culture, and policy in her hometown.

Monica Prothro Monica D. Prothro has been with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs since 2001 and is the Program Manager for Arts & Education Services. She is responsible for the day to day operations of the Contracts for Arts Services and Cultural Experience Project programs. The Contracts for Arts Services (CAS) program is the City of Atlanta’s means of granting public funding to the arts. CAS awards contracts related to the production, creation, presentation, exhibition and management of artistic and cultural services in the city of Atlanta. Her responsibilities include supervision of programming staff, fiscal management, and management all responsibilities associated with the programs. Prior to her current role, she was Facility Administrator at the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum. Her responsibilities included supervision of the Cyclorama staff, fiscal management, and facility management. Monica holds a B.S. in Secondary Education from Southern University and A&M College. Prior to joining the staff at the Office of Cultural Affairs, Monica was a science teacher at Westlake High School in the Fulton County School System in Atlanta, Georgia.

Laura Relyea Laura Relyea is Executive Editor of ArtsATL. Her book, All Glitter, Everything, a collection of flash prose, was released by Deer Bear Wolf in March 2015. A portion of the book was included in the 2015 &Now Experimental Fiction Anthology, released biennially by the University of Notre Dame. Her essays, reviews, poems, and features have been published in The Bitter Southerner, Thought Catalog, Monkey Bicycle, Necessary Fiction, and elsewhere. Her book criticism has been published in PASTE, Fanzine, and Vouched Books. She was previously the Managing Editor of Scoutmob, and the Editor & Chief of Vouched Books. Relyea received a BA in Telecommunications and Creative Writing from Ball State University.

Kristen Silton Kristen Gwock Silton is the Development Director at Actor's Express. She started with the Express in 2014 as the Marketing Manager. Previously, Kristen held positions as Marketing Manager at Horizon Theatre Company and Communications Coordinator at the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts. From 2012 to 2015 she co-owned Wedding Belles, an Atlanta wedding planning company. Kristen serves on the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts Advisory Committee, the Grant Park Parents Network Board, has been a City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Contracts for Arts Services panelist several times and is an active member of Saint Mark United Methodist Church. Kristen graduated from Emory University in 2010 with a BA in Theater Studies and a minor in Mathematics. She has resided in Atlanta for 10 years and lives in Ormewood Park with her husband and two children.

Christopher Swain My name is Christopher Swain and I’m a native of Atlanta, Georgia who enjoys exploration and discovery. My exposure to the arts began in my youth as a product of the Atlanta Public School system where we regularly enjoyed field trips to witness The Atlanta Symphony, plays at The Alliance Theater, Zoo Atlanta, Cyclorama, etc. Professionally, I work in City Government and serve as the Business License Coordinator for the City of East Point Georgia. Additionally, I serve on the Board of Directors of the East Point Public Arts pilot program which we’re preparing to implement soon. Personally, I’m an avid collector of African Art and artifacts from various cultures. Passionate about Africa and her contributions to the world, I’ve spent the last 23 years visiting countries such as Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Niger, Rwanda, Togo, Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, Benin, Jamaica, Brazil, and Cuba where I’ve attended numerous cultural arts festivals, celebrations, and ceremonies. I also attend many arts and culture events throughout the United States. Art in its many manifestations is the joy of my life!

Elliott Tapp Elliott Tapp is a Mergers & Acquisitions attorney at King & Spalding LLP. Prior to joining King and Spalding, Elliott was an associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Schulte Roth & Zabel in New York, and a secondee to the Hong Kong office of a leading global investment firm focused on opportunistic investments. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2008 and double majored in Philosophy and Political Science at Furman University, where he graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in 2005.

Elliott lived in Manhattan for nearly a decade prior to moving to Atlanta in February 2016, and was an avid concertgoer at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. He and his wife Elaine have a 2-year-old son (Richard) and a 3-month-old daughter (Laura). They are members of the Patron Partnership of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

R. Candy Tate Dr. Rachanice Candy Tate is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University’s History Department where her dissertation was “Our Art Itself was Our Activism: Atlanta’s Neighborhood Arts Center.” Her research interests include cultural politics in Atlanta, African American photographers and veterans’ history. A native of Atlanta, she finished her undergraduate work at Emory University in Art History. Her Masters degrees are from Georgia State University in Public Administration and Non Profit Management and from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Art History. Her thesis there was on a Harlem Renaissance painting by Lois Mailou Jones, titled The Ascent of Ethiopia (1932). Candy is currently the Assistant Director of the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts. Her service in the community includes Historian for the Atlanta Organizing Branch of ASALH, Secretary for the Georgia Chapter of the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), and as Vice-President of Programs for the /Cascade City Chapter of The Links, Inc. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Alpha Omega Chapter.

Tasha Tavaras Tasha Tavaras has been an art lover from a very young age. Her grandmother was the first to expose her to the arts by taking her to the opera, museums, and plays and her grandfather was responsible for developing her love of Jazz. Throughout her school years, Tasha participated in plays, sang in various chorus groups and had the opportunity to travel to Paris where her love of visual arts heightened. After taking a class in photography, she was accepted to the Savannah College of Art and Design where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Photography. During the final semester of her senior year, Tasha and fellow classmates produced a senior photography show and she became interested in the business side of the arts. She made the decision to return to SCAD and completed a Masters of Arts in Arts Administration in June of 2016. Currently, she is working as a Case Manager/Social Media Manager for Georgia Lawyer for the Arts and has completed an Internship with Fulton County Arts and Culture. Tasha is looking forward to lending her passion and knowledge to helping Atlanta to become a city that fully embraces the arts and artists and is looking for new opportunities in arts management and innovation.

Donna Thompson Following a lengthy corporate career involved in sales and marketing, I decided to start my own consulting business. This has allowed me the ability to be more involved in the arts. I am a photographer and encaustic artist and this past year I participated in my very first chalk art event. While I include photography in my business, I also enjoy fine art photography. I have exhibited from local to international level and have been awarded at each level. I founded a photography group in my community. I teach photography and encaustics. I enjoy mentoring photographers, especially in preparing to exhibit their work. I have organized sixteen photography exhibits in the past five years, including a nature show that I founded called 'No Boundaries'. I am Chairwoman of the Public Arts Committee in Fayette County. I am a Board member at Arts Clayton and work as the Board liaison to the Gallery. I assist the staff with securing jurors, selecting exhibits and working with artists.

Nikki Toombs Nikki Toombs is the Director of Education for True Colors Theatre Company under the artistic direction of Tony Award-winning Broadway director, Kenny Leon. Toombs facilitates the Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition, supervises Teaching Artists, recruits Non-equity actors and regulates all instructional practices and or programming for the company. Prior to assuming the role as Director of Education , this Alabama native primarily served as educator in both the Birmingham City and Gwinnett County School systems. Her unrelenting commitment to providing quality instruction warranted her Teacher of the Year honors in both districts (Gwinnett County- Meadowcreek High School and Birmingham City School-Speech Arts Division). Toombs is also an actress, director and published playwright.

John Welker I've been a classically trained professional ballet dancer since the age of 17: twenty-two of those years as a principal dancer with the Atlanta Ballet beginning in 1995. Through dance I've been able to perform and travel across our beautiful country and world, gaining a deep appreciation of various cities, cultures and peoples; as well as the realization Atlanta is where I call home. Recently retired from dancing, I look to finally earn my undergraduate this coming Spring from Kennesaw State University’s dance department. I plan to further my education by attending KSU’s 19 month executive MBA program beginning in September, with the hope of cultivating an appreciation and knowledge towards the business side of the arts. I founded and directed Atlanta Ballet’s Wabi Sabi since 2010, having the privilege to commission over 35 new dance works in Atlanta’s public spaces. When not following my passion for dance and the arts, I am with my beautiful wife Christine and dictatorial leaning 3 ½ year son Lucas.

Doreen Williams Growing up in California, Doreen Williams' mother was a stay-at-home mom who insisted each child take some form of music lesson and develop attributes of lifelong learning. Her father was an educator who worked with children of migrant farm workers. As a nine-year old her parents took her to a Sunday afternoon concert in their small town theater. She will never forget the impact Ella Fitzgerald had on her elementary school mind. She was fascinated by the way she dressed in an elegant shimmering gown and a voice that was absolutely incredible. Doreen thought she was a model of excellence in every aspect. And she wrote about her the next day in her 4th grade class.

After graduating from high school, Dr. Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and a minor in Psychology from Brigham Young University. After her five children were grown, Dr. Williams continued her education earning a Masters of Science in Education degree from Walden University followed by a Doctor of Education degree from Georgia Southern University. After a 30-year career in education she retired in 2012.

In 2014 Commissioner Williams campaigned for and won the Rockdale County Commission, Post 2 seat taking office in January 2015. In that capacity she is spearheading a long-range strategic planning process, greater access to the arts in Rockdale County, and a jail diversion program to keep those with mental illness and substance abuse issues out of the criminal justice system.

Association membership: View Point Health, Board of Directors, Vice-chair; Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, Health and Human Services Legislative Policy Committee, Chair; Georgia Community Service Board Association, Policy Committee, co-chair; Atlanta Regional Commission, Community Resource Committee, member

She and her husband John have lived in Rockdale County for 23 years. They are the parents of five children and grandparents of ten grandchildren.

Elizabeth Williamson Elizabeth Williamson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She began her career as a Publicist for the Hara Complex and then as a Talent Representative for Kismet Productions. In 2006 Elizabeth joined Columbus Children’s Theatre as Managing Director where she oversaw a turnaround in the theatre’s finances and set new records for program participation. As a result of her work, she was a finalist for Columbus Business First’s 2010 CFO of the Year program. In 2013 the Aiken Center for the Arts in South Carolina hired Elizabeth as Executive Director. While in this position, she formed the Aiken Cultural Leadership Consortium to unite and support the arts and cultural organizations of Aiken for the purpose of collaboration, advocacy and community. Presently Elizabeth serves as Executive Director of the Handweavers Guild of America in Suwanee, Georgia where she recently led the board through the development of a strategic plan. Elizabeth’s board experience includes Dine Originals Columbus and the Collegiate Alumni Network of Central Ohio.

Erin Wright Erin Wright leads the small but mighty team of producers responsible for "City Lights," a daily arts and culture magazine on Atlanta's NPR Station, 90.1 WABE. Erin first began working for Lois Reitzes and WABE in 2011 after studying Viola, German, and Musicology at UGA. She is a fan of the Oxford comma and a fierce advocate for daily naps.

Atlanta Regional Commission Staff

Stephen Causby Stephen Causby is Manager of the Community Partnerships Division at the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). In this role he manages the team that coordinates ARC’s core leadership programs (Regional Leadership Institute, LINK and Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta), provides support for the Regional Economic Competitiveness Strategy and manages the agency's Arts & Culture program. The Community Partnerships Division is part of ARC's Center for Livable Communities.

Previously at ARC, Stephen has led the team that plans and executes the LINK program, an annual exchange that takes more than 100 of the Atlanta region’s leaders to another region to learn from best practices and innovative policies.

For seven years, Stephen managed the Community Choices program – an agency-wide initiative that provides local governments in the Atlanta region with resources and technical assistance to implement their quality growth plans. Stephen has also worked on ARC’s planning and outreach efforts around regional equity.

Stephen is a resident of the English Avenue neighborhood of Atlanta, where he manages the Mattie Freeland Park and serves as chair of the neighborhood association’s Land Use and Development Committee. He serves on the council of New Life Covenant Church, a small multi-cultural congregation based in English Avenue.

Stephen received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University and a Masters in City and Regional Planning from Georgia Tech.

Katrina DeBerry Katrina DeBerry is a Principal Program Specialist in the Community Partnerships Division at ARC. She is responsible for the division’s leadership development programs which include, the Regional Leadership Institute (RLI), Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta (ALMA) and the Emerging Arts Leaders of Atlanta and LINK programs. Katrina also serves on the Poverty, Equity Opportunity (PEO) Committee and the Educated subcommittee which is a part of the Regional Competitiveness Strategy. Prior to ARC, Katrina served as Program Coordinator for the Department of Human Resources Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Vendor Management program. Katrina has also worked as the Human Resources Generalist for Allied Automotive Group, a subsidiary of Allied Systems Holdings, Inc. the largest motor carrier in North America and as a recruitment specialist with AT&T’s (formerly Bellsouth) Information Technology division. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and her Master’s in Public Administration from Walden University.

Doug Hooker Douglas Hooker leads the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the regional planning agency for the 10- county, 73-city Atlanta region. ARC’s purpose is to serve as “an innovation conduit” for metro Atlanta’s regional growth challenges. The agency facilitates local government collaboration and community initiatives, focused on community development, transportation and mobility, water and natural resources, arts and culture, aging and health resources, workforce development, and community research and analytics and homeland security.

Doug’s career has spanned public and private sector organizations, including: the City of Atlanta’s Department of Public Works (Commissioner), the Georgia State Road & Tollway Authority (Executive Director), Bio-Lab, Inc. (Director of Finance & Administration), Atkins Engineering (formerly PBS&J, VP for Marketing & Business Development), and Georgia Power. Throughout his career, he has worked on important regional and local projects in the areas of energy, education, transportation, transit, water and community engagement.

He is deeply involved in the community, including board service on the Leadership Atlanta Board of Directors, the Council for Quality Growth, CHRIS Kids Advisory Board, the Georgia Tech (President’s) Advisory Board, and the Ivan Allen College Advisory Board, the Atlanta Technical College Local Advisory Committee, and the Agnes Scott Board of Visitors. Doug also serves on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Music Project. Past service includes the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Emory University Board of Visitors, the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees, the Atlanta Opera, the Georgia Conservancy, volunteering with the Atlanta Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, and others.

He is an alumnus of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, the Regional Leadership Institute, and the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership.

Josh Phillipson Josh Phillipson is the Principal Program Specialist for Arts and Culture at the Atlanta Regional Commission. In this role, he manages the Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta program, the Atlanta Regional Public Art Program and the ARC’s cultural forums. He is responsible for bringing the resources and knowledge of the ARC to bear on the issues and opportunities facing the arts and culture community and for seeking to connect arts leaders to the broader issues facing the region.

Prior to the ARC, Josh worked at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta on the Foundation’s Metro Atlanta Arts Fund, which provided grants and capacity-building assistance to metro Atlanta’s small and midsized arts organizations. In addition, he managed the Foundation’s Grants to Green program providing grants to improve the water and energy efficiency of nonprofit’s buildings and served as a liaison for philanthropic work throughout the 23-county region.

Josh graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Studies from Emory University and has since served as the board chair for the Theater Emory board. He is a 2013 Southeastern Council of Foundations Hull Fellow and a 2008 Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta graduate.