Americans for the Arts Welcomes New and Re-Elected Advisory Council Members

Friday, December 16, 2016

Americans for the Arts, the leading organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, announces new and re-elected advisory council members for each of their four networks: Arts Education, Emerging Leaders, Private Sector, and Public Art Network. These individuals will advise Americans for the Arts’ staff on developing programs and services that will build a deeper connection to the field and the network membership. 
 
Potential council members were nominated in mid-September and were voted on by members of Americans for the Arts through November 14, 2016. Incoming advisory council members serve a three-year term, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Six members were re-elected. 
 
“We are proud to welcome 25 new and re-elected members to our advisory council, and grateful for their willingness to dedicate their time and expertise to shape national programs and help craft services for states, communities, and local organizations that will advance the arts and arts education nationwide,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts.
 
The new and re-elected advisory council members are:
 
In the Arts Education Council, who will work with fellow arts leaders to advise Americans for the Arts’ staff on trends in the field to create programs and services that will build a deeper connection to the field and the Arts Education Network. Council members are involved in visibility campaigns like National Arts in Education Week, the development of tools and resources, and conduct peer-to-peer learning:
  • Jane Cheung, Vice President of Programs, The Pablove Foundation
  • Erika Lowe, Arts Education Programs Manager, Freelance, formerly with Vermont Arts Council
  • Kate McLeod, Head of School and Teacher Services, High Museum of Art
  • Argera “Argy” G. Nestor, Director of Arts Education, Maine Arts Commission
  • Ahava Silkey-Jones, Principal, Perpich Center for Arts Education 
In the Emerging Leaders Council, who will assist in developing programs and resources to promote professional development and networking opportunities for emerging arts professionals nationwide:
  • Salvador Mayoral IV, Public Art Program Assistant, Regional Arts & Culture Council, Portland
  • Jessica Peña, Executive Director, Fairbanks Arts Association
  • Alexandra Rachelle Siclait, Professional Development Program Manager, Creative Capital
  • Dara Phyllis Silver, Senior Administrative Assistant, Special Projects, Grant Program Manager, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County
  • Brea M. Heidelberg, Assistant Professor & Internship Coordinator, Arts Administration, Rider University (re-elected)
  • Lindsay Tucker, Research & Policy Associate, City of Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (re-elected)
In the Private Sector Council, who will develop and implement private-sector advocacy programs and serve as leaders to other local arts agencies seeking to connect with the private sector:
  • Philip Chan, Cultural Curator, IVY
  • Maryann Lombardi, Chief Creative Economy Officer, Government of DC Office of Cable TV, Film, Music, and Entertainment
  • Amanda Kate Marquez, Executive Director, Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance
  • Kristina Newman-Scott, Director of Culture, State of Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development
  • Alex Ryan Randall, Event Systems Manager, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
  • Lisa Scails, Executive Director, Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut
  • Casey Summar, Executive Director, Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville
  • Beth Yerxa, Executive Director, Triangle Art Works
  • Karin Copeland, Executive Director, Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (re-elected)
  • Alecia Kintner, President & CEO, ArtsWave (re-elected)
In the Public Art Network Council, who will advise on annual programming, choose the Public Art Network award recipient, and offer diverse perspectives and voices on public art and public art programs:
  • Lucas Cowan, Public Art Curator, Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
  • Julia Muney Moore, Director of Public Art, Arts Council of Indianapolis
  • Lester Burg, Senior Manager, MTA Arts & Design (re-elected)
  • Ruri Yampolsky, Director, Public Art Programs, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (re-elected)

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 55 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.