Staff Members

Neil Kirschling LinkedIn

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 LinkedIn

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.

Linkedin

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.

Linkedin

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

President

Executive and Artistic Director | Delaware Theatre Company

Suzanne Burton, Ph.D.

Vice President

Associate Dean for the Arts, Professor of Music Education, and Director for the UD Partnership for Arts & Culture |  University of Delaware

Debora Hansen

Secretary

Education Associate for Visual & Performing Arts  |  Retired

Pamelyn Manocchio

Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair

Director of Events and Engagement | Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Governance Committee Chair

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

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: 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
  • Scott Thomas, Executive Director, Southern Delaware Tourism

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