I have been with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for 17 years and for the last 15 directing the Arts in Education Division. Prior to my time at the PCA, I had nine years of experience in promoting and supporting the arts through media relations, grant management, event production and non-profit fundraising. In my role as Chief of Creative Catalysts & Lifelong Learning for the PCA, I direct the $1.5 million AIE Division budget, which includes supervision of 14 partner organizations that act on behalf of the PCA by supporting programs and providing professional development opportunities and resources at a regional level. This state-wide model is one of the nation’s first decentralized arts in education grants and services programs.I oversee the ongoing development of criteria for PCA long-range arts integration projects; manage compliance standards for state & federal grants; lead statewide grant review boards; and participate regularly on national funding review panels. I research & develop new organizational approaches & protocols to reduce bureaucracy, decrease administrative costs, and streamline services. Additionally, I serve as PCA liaison with fellow state agencies including Department of Education; Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and Department of Aging; and national organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts. Before joining the PCA in June 2008, I was an Advertising Account Executive with Neiman Group Advertising in Harrisburg; the Marketing Manager for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera; and the Executive Director for the Elk County Council on the Arts.