CreativeOhio launches inaugural advocacy leadership institute to empower arts and culture leaders across the state
CreativeOhio is proud to announce the launch of the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI), a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at empowering Ohio’s arts and culture leaders with the skills and strategies needed to advocate for a stronger creative sector.
The 2025 ALI cohort includes 25 exceptional professionals from 15 cities across Ohio, selected through a competitive application process.
Representing disciplines across performing and visual arts, museums, arts education, journalism, and cultural nonprofits, this inaugural group reflects the rich diversity and strength of Ohio’s creative sector.
Launching in May 2025, the six-month immersive program will include hands-on workshops, site visits to cultural hubs, and in-depth policy discussions with lawmakers and advocacy experts. Participants will gain practical tools to influence public policy, secure funding and strengthen the statewide network of arts advocates.
“This inaugural cohort represents an esteemed and passionate group of leaders dedicated to strengthening Ohio’s creative economy and ensuring the arts have a seat at the table in policy discussions,” said Sarah Sisser, Executive Director & CEO of CreativeOhio.
Meet the 2025 Cohort:
• Stacie Boord, CEO, Shadowbox Live – Columbus, Ohio
• Stephanie Bridwell, Board President, Ohio Arts & Crafts Foundation – Cambridge, Ohio
• Justin Brookhart, Executive Director of BLINK / Senior VP of Cultural Economy, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Brandon Cavender Smith, Producer (Tecumseh!), Scioto Society – Chillicothe, Ohio
• Sara Clark, Director of Development, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Heather Clow, Executive Director, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts – Findlay, Ohio
• Alex Coon, Executive Director, Massillon Museum – Massillon, Ohio
• Celeste Cosentino, Executive Artistic Director, Ensemble Theatre – Cleveland, Ohio
• Maya Curtis, Grants Manager, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture – Cleveland, Ohio
• Luke Dennis, General Manager & President, WYSO-Miami Valley Public Media – Yellow Springs, Ohio
• Michael Gill, Executive Director/Editor/Publisher, CAN Journal – Lakewood, Ohio
• Kimberlee Goodman, Executive Director, McConnell Arts Center – Worthington, Ohio
• Gee Horton, Artist/Founder, Gee Horton Studios – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Colleen Houston, CEO & Artistic Director, ArtWorks – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Becky Keck, President/Founder, SMARTS Community Art School – Youngstown, Ohio
• Kappy Kilburn, Executive Director, The Human Race Theatre Company – Dayton, Ohio
• Mac Love, Co-Founder & Chief Catalyst, Art x Love – Akron, Ohio
• Melody Reed, Executive Director, Columbus Glass Art Center – Columbus, Ohio
• Kristin Riepenhoff Zelinskas, Program Officer, Greater Cincinnati Foundation – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Clare Roth, Managing Editor, The Ohio Newsroom – Columbus, Ohio
• McKenzi Swinehart, Director of Grants & Community Engagement, Greater Columbus Arts Council – Columbus, Ohio
• Christina Vassallo, Executive Director, Contemporary Arts Center – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Olivia Villaseñor, Program Manager, Tri-C Film Academy – Cleveland, Ohio
• Robyn Winkler, Executive Director, Visionaries & Voices – Liberty Township, Ohio
• Marta Wojcik, Executive Director, Westcott House – Springfield, Ohio.
The 2025 ALI program is made possible with generous support from The George Gund Foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council and Edwards Companies.
For more information, visit creativeoh.org/advocacy-leadership-institute.
CreativeOhio is the statewide voice for Ohio’s creative sector. With over 130 member organizations, we provide leadership, advocacy and support to strengthen and enhance Ohio through arts, culture and creativity.
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