As the region's most prominent public funder of arts and culture, RAC promotes, fosters, and encourages economic development and civic pride through its grants, programs, and special initiatives. Since its inception in 1985, RAC has distributed over $125 million to artists and arts organizations. *Created and led the first-ever, sector-wide effort that galvanized arts organizations and artists to advocate for local ARPA funds. The 18-month-long campaign resulted in a historic $10.6 million allocation. Funds were regranted to 290 artists and arts organizations in 15 months.*Created a fund development strategy to diversify revenue to ensure the RAC's long-term sustainability. Increased funding types from 2 to 8 and earned $14.4MM from FY2021 through Q3 of FY2024.*Launched StLouisArts.org, now the leading regional cultural tourism platform, achieving 1.2MM unique users within 6 months.*Led reorganization of HR, IT, Facilities, Governance, Finance & Accounting, Grants & Programs, Research & Evaluation, and Marketing & Communications functions to achieve greater efficiency.*Strengthened board governance and improved employee engagement. Achieved 4.13 out of 5.0 on the engagement survey in FY2024, the highest score in the organization’s history.*Partnering with the 15-member appointed Board of Commissioners brings inspiring, creative, entrepreneurial, and strategic leadership to fulfill the 2020–2024 Strategic Plan goals. Eighty percent of the program deliverables were completed six months ahead of schedule and within budget. Currently leading the process to develop a new 10-year Theory of Change designed to expand RAC’s impact and ensure its long-term relevance.*Serves as RAC's primary spokesperson and brand ambassador. Increased earned media coverage by 25%. Known as a thought leader, advocate, catalyst, and partner that produces regional and national narratives positioning arts & culture as a driver for social change and economic development.

As Vested Urban Farms' Founder & CEO, Vanessa helps people shore up their commitment to plant-powered nutrition. Deeply impacted by her father's death from pancreatic cancer, Vanessa began her health journey in 1997 and studied a variety of wellness programs and platforms over the years. She aligned her efforts with the Tower Garden Company in 2019 as a Partner and quickly grew by building a national sales team for residential Tower Gardens. In 2020, she received the organization's Team Builder Award. Building on the success of her residential Tower Garden business, she is leveraging her corporate career experience to grow Vested Urban Farms' commercial tower farm business. Learn more at vestedurbanfarms.com.

Vanessa’s humanitarian efforts over the last three decades have helped promote and advance human welfare and social reform for more than 10 million children and families around the globe. Having served on over 100 local, regional, and national non-profit boards (board chair for 15), Vanessa is highly sought-after for her governance, organizational culture, talent development, and reputation risk management expertise. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and Jack & Jill of America. She is currently a board director for the SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education (https://www.sifma.org/about/sifma-foundation/).

Vanessa has more than 25 years of business and civic leadership experience. She’s held marketing, communications, and philanthropy leadership positions across various industries and sectors in Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. Vanessa is known for her ability to build results-driven partnerships, facilitate dynamic collaborations, create high-performing teams, and effectively convene diverse stakeholders. Vanessa is a serious change-maker and has led innovative arts, education, technology, and health & wellness programs, reaching millions of children and adults throughout her career. She has received over 50 awards, including the 2018 St. Louis American Corporate Executive of the Year. Her progressive leadership experiences include:Director of Strategic Communications & Student Engagement @ Washington University in St. Louis (2020) Managing Director of Communications and Marketing @ Spire Energy (2019)Senior Vice President, Community Relations & Community Affairs Senior Manager @ Wells Fargo (2013-2019)Senior Director of Community Affairs @ Anheuser-Busch InBev (2011-2013) Director of Community and Government Relations & President SUPERVALU Foundation @ SUPERVALU and Director of Communications & Community Relations @ Save-A-Lot Food Stores (2008-2011)Senior Manager Cause-Related & Multicultural Marketing & Online Marketing Coordinator @ Cartoon Network (2005-2008; 1999-2001)E-Communications Manager & Webmaster @ The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Communications (2003-2005)Marketing Specialist @ CNN Newsource Sales (2002-2003)Communications & Information Officer @ The Atlanta Committee for Public Education (2001-2002)Media Consultant & Freelance Producer @ Very Nessa’cery LLC (1993-2003)