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.
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.
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.
Board of Directors
Founder of Blondie Mansion
I am a creative and strategic professional with a diverse background in visual merchandising, content creation, and business development. My experience at leading retailers like H&M and Joseph A. Bank allowed me to hone my skills in designing engaging in-store displays, managing stock, and creating visually compelling environments. I also ran a successful blog focused on culture, fashion, and beauty, where I researched trending topics, created content, and reviewed products.
Additionally, I bring a wealth of business Development and entrepreneurial support experience from the Women’s Business Center, where I helped secure over $10 million in funding, hosted over 2,000 business-related programs, and supported the growth of over 15,000 entrepreneurs while helping secure 4,000 jobs. In my current role at Blondie Mansion, I specialize in transforming brands into cultural movements by crafting immersive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
With a keen attention to detail, strong project management skills, and a passion for driving brand engagement, I am committed to bringing creativity, strategy, and impact to every project I undertake.
Chief Executive Office of Delaware Symphony Orchestra
Executive Director of the Biggs Museum of American Art
An arts and culture professional with over 20 years of experience in utilizing mission-focused thinking and community input to create memorable experiences for learners of all ages. Hassan Najjar strivse to ensure that the arts are appreciated, valued, and used to help people think critically about the world they live in. As an art administrator, he looks for ways to grow sustainably and responsibly while also serving the community’s needs.
Extensive experience in major gift fundraising, nonprofit management, and leading a high-performing team. Hassan Najjar is adept at forming relationships with stakeholders from all walks of life and enjoy connecting individuals and organizations with passionate causes.
Development Director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation
Marketing and Communications Manager for Kent County Tourism
Specializing in email marketing, digital marketing, graphic design, content creation, social media management, copywriting/editing, and brand development
Driven by results and committed to always grow, learn, and adapt
Artistic Director of Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education (DiAE)
Ashley is a dancer, choreographer, actor and teacher, and served as a teaching artist for DiAE before becoming Artist Director in 2017. Ashley is a social change artist and finds great joy in encouraging children to discover their inner artist.
Executive and Artistic Director | Delaware Theatre Company
Associate Dean for the Arts, Professor of Music Education, and Director for the UD Partnership for Arts & Culture | University of Delaware
Education Associate for Visual & Performing Arts | Retired
Director of Events and Engagement | Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Executive Director | Southern Delaware Tourism
Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer | Beebe Healthcare
Kent County Regional Business Manager and Main Streets Program Coordinator | Delaware Division of Small Business
Co-Owner of Painted Stave Distilling and Taco Jardin; Smyrna Town Councilman At-Large & Vice Mayor
Mike is a co-owner of Painted Stave Distilling and Taco Jardin in Downtown Smyrna. He is actively involved in the community as a member of the Smyrna Town Council and the Kent County Tourism Board. Over the past decade, Mike has dedicated himself to community and economic development in Smyrna and Kent County. He advocates for the integration and promotion of arts to drive both economic growth and community engagement. At Painted Stave Distilling, he established a gallery showcasing contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds, while also working to enhance the role of arts in the town’s revitalization efforts. Mike holds a MA degree in Public Policy from the University of Delaware, as well as BS degrees in Political Science and Secondary Education from SUNY Geneseo. He resides in Downtown Smyrna with his supportive wife and two children. In his free time, Mike enjoys riding his scooter and indulging in cocktails or coffee, depending on the time of day.
Trauma Academy Coordinator | Delaware State University
Committee Members
- Members in bold also serve on the DAA Board of Directors.
Finance Committee
- Chair: Pamelyn Manocchio, DAA Board Treasurer
- Matt Silva, Executive and Artistic Director, Delaware Theatre Company
- Michael Dudich, Former Director. the Biggs Museum of American Art
- Tom Mucchetti, Managing Director, New Light Theatre; Senior Vice President, Bank of America; Practicing Performing Artist
- JC Barker, CEO, Delaware Symphony Orchestra
- Courtney Widdoes, Grant Analyst, Philadelphia Museum of Art; Practicing Visual Artist
- Alfred Lance, Deputy Treasurer, City of Wilmington; Practicing Performing Artist
Governance Committee
- Chair: Scott Thomas, Executive Director, Southern Delaware Tourism
- Debora Hansen, Retired Arts Educator
- Ashley Foster, Senior Vice President and Chief People Office, Beebe Healthcare
- Anastasia Jackson, Kent County Regional Business Manager and Main Street Program Coordinator, Delaware Division of Small Business
Policy & Advocacy Committee
- Suzanne Burton, DAA Vice President, Associate Dean for the Arts, Professor of Music Education, and Director for the UD Partnership for Arts & Culture
- Jennifer Boland, Arts Educator, Campus Community School
- Lauren Conrad, Delaware Department of Education (DDOE)
- Zack Jackson, Chapel Street Players
- Lianna Magerr, Wilmington’s Children’s Chorus
- A. T. Moffett, Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education (DiAE)
- Kerriann Otaño, Opera Delaware
- Anna Ramone, Delaware Music Educators Association (DMEA)
- Vanessa Simon, Mariposa Arts
- Courtney Clarke, Drama Kids
- JL Haynes, DANA, Ambassador for March for the Arts in Education