Neil Kirschling
Executive Director
In his role of Executive Director, Neil oversees all aspects of managing the statewide nonprofit organization and developing sectorwide strategies to advance arts and culture.
Neil joins DAA from Rodel, a nonprofit that partners with Delawareans to transform public education in the First State. His responsibilities included strategic planning, policy development, coalition management, program management, and local and national stakeholder engagement. Neil previously served as a legislative fellow in the General Assembly, conducted research for the Institute for Public Administration, and participated in the Delaware Department of Education’s “Future Education Policy Leaders” program. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Delaware.
A patron and participant in the arts, Neil volunteers and performs with various local theaters, and supports arts and cultural organizations throughout the state. Neil received a gubernatorial appointment to the Delaware Hispanic Commission, where he leads education and advocacy efforts in support of Hispanic youth and English learner students. He also serves as an advisor for the Delaware Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy board.
Chonnie Blair
Project Management Consultant
In her role as Project Management Consultant, Chonnie provides project management oversight for the Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism project. Additionally, she manages a team of contracted Community Engagement Captains to support the work.
Chonnie is the founder and CEO of Chinwe Solutions LLC, which is a Delaware based consulting company that is focused on transforming educational entities, nonprofit organizations and small businesses through project/program management, training and executive coaching. Prior to launching Chinwe Solutions, Chonnie excelled in roles within the private and public sectors working with organizations such as Xerox, Ernst & Young, Drexel University, Project Management Institute and 2U, Inc.
Chonnie holds a B.S in Accounting from Gwynedd Mercy University and M.A in Educational Technology and Media Design from Full Sail University, a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate from Georgetown University, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from University of South Florida, is a project management professional (PMP), a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach.
Jordan Resh
Engagement and Operations Coordinator
Jordan is a native of Dover, Delaware, and graduate of Dover High School. Jordan continued her education at Brandeis University where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy, Peace, and Social Justice. Jordan then returned to Delaware and began her professional career with the Downtown Dover Partnership, working to help advance community redevelopment projects and revitalize the district, with a focus in the arts and implementing creative placemaking strategies. During this time, Jordan became an active member of the Dover Art League, starting as a student and progressing to join their Board of Directors. Jordan is also a graduate of Leadership Central Delaware, a Certified Tourism Ambassador through Kent County Tourism, and NASCAR staff for Dover Motor Speedway.
Jordan is passionate about advocating on behalf of her community to improve quality of life, increase access to creative spaces, and promote arts opportunities that are welcoming to everyone. Jordan is a lifelong art lover, performing in Dover High School’s Marching Band and attending various arts and cultural events throughout the state. Jordan can now be found expressing herself creatively by experiencing local venues, crafting with friends, or working on her latest stained-glass project.
Neil Kirschling
Executive Director
In his role of Executive Director, Neil oversees all aspects of managing the statewide nonprofit organization and developing sectorwide strategies to advance arts and culture.
Neil joins DAA from Rodel, a nonprofit that partners with Delawareans to transform public education in the First State. His responsibilities included strategic planning, policy development, coalition management, program management, and local and national stakeholder engagement. Neil previously served as a legislative fellow in the General Assembly, conducted research for the Institute for Public Administration, and participated in the Delaware Department of Education’s “Future Education Policy Leaders” program. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Delaware.
A patron and participant in the arts, Neil volunteers and performs with various local theaters, and supports arts and cultural organizations throughout the state. Neil received a gubernatorial appointment to the Delaware Hispanic Commission, where he leads education and advocacy efforts in support of Hispanic youth and English learner students. He also serves as an advisor for the Delaware Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy board.
Chonnie Blair
Project Management Consultant
In her role as Project Management Consultant, Chonnie provides project management oversight for the Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism project. Additionally, she manages a team of contracted Community Engagement Captains to support the work.
Chonnie is the founder and CEO of Chinwe Solutions LLC, which is a Delaware based consulting company that is focused on transforming educational entities, nonprofit organizations and small businesses through project/program management, training and executive coaching. Prior to launching Chinwe Solutions, Chonnie excelled in roles within the private and public sectors working with organizations such as Xerox, Ernst & Young, Drexel University, Project Management Institute and 2U, Inc.
Chonnie holds a B.S in Accounting from Gwynedd Mercy University and M.A in Educational Technology and Media Design from Full Sail University, a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate from Georgetown University, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from University of South Florida, is a project management professional (PMP), a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach.
Jordan Resh
Engagement and Operations Coordinator
Jordan is a native of Dover, Delaware, and graduate of Dover High School. Jordan continued her education at Brandeis University where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy, Peace, and Social Justice. Jordan then returned to Delaware and began her professional career with the Downtown Dover Partnership, working to help advance community redevelopment projects and revitalize the district, with a focus in the arts and implementing creative placemaking strategies. During this time, Jordan became an active member of the Dover Art League, starting as a student and progressing to join their Board of Directors. Jordan is also a graduate of Leadership Central Delaware, a Certified Tourism Ambassador through Kent County Tourism, and NASCAR staff for Dover Motor Speedway.
Jordan is passionate about advocating on behalf of her community to improve quality of life, increase access to creative spaces, and promote arts opportunities that are welcoming to everyone. Jordan is a lifelong art lover, performing in Dover High School’s Marching Band and attending various arts and cultural events throughout the state. Jordan can now be found expressing herself creatively by experiencing local venues, crafting with friends, or working on her latest stained-glass project.
Martha Canseco
Communications and Operations Fellow
Martha was a student at Delaware Technical Community College for three years, transitioning from multimedia to a communications major. She has acquired numerous skills in photography, graphic design, video production, and news writing. She recently acquired her associate’s degree and has now started a new position as part of our communications team.
As a native of Delaware, Martha is enthusiastic about nurturing the growth of the arts in her community. With a long-standing involvement with the arts, she has actively participated in various art classes, attended art exhibitions, and was a member of her school choir for several years.