Our People

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 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.

Gracier Elder is the newest Communications Intern for Delaware Arts Alliance. She is a Communications Major at Delaware Technical Community College and will be interning during her final spring semester. Gracie asserts that communication finds itself at the baseline of all connections, and her favorite form of connection is the one forged through writing.

Gracie is an admirer of the arts, finding herself drawn to musicians like Lana Del Rey and writers like Sally Rooney, who can teleport you into the world they’ve created with their artistic ability.

Gracie believes now more than ever is a time the arts need advocation. Born and raised in Delaware, she has seen first-hand how the arts act as an outlet for creativity and emotions otherwise inexpressible. Her fondest childhood memories involve going to Delaware’s art museums and watching plays put on by her local theater. She sees the spark these artists harness and execute in their works as something that deserves to live on. She also admires how DAA advocates for the continuation and growth of the arts, while supporting artists in their own advocation. Gracie is excited to be a part of a cause that ensures another generation to experience the same memories she is so fond of.

From Gracie, “There is a spark present in new and established art organizations throughout the state of Delaware. I am excited to work alongside DAA in helping tend to these artist’s sparks and advocate for their lights to shine bright.”

A freshman and McCabe Scholar at Swarthmore College, Justine is considering studying political science, peace and conflict studies, or pre-law as she continues to pursue her passion for music and arts accessibility. Justine graduated as the Valedictorian of ASPIRA Charter High School’s first graduating class, where she was recognized as a Delaware Secretary of Education Scholar, earned the Delaware Certificate of Multiliteracy in Spanish and English, and was a Questbridge National College Match finalist.

A talented musician, Justine has played the viola for 16 years and has played with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and Settlement Advanced Chamber ensembles. In response to the needs of her community needs, along with her sisters, formed Strings For Change, a non-profit program designed to bring free music education and instruments to students without access to music classes. Through this program, she provided instruction, instruments, and countless hours to over 100 students in the past 4 years. Her work in music, education, and advocacy reflects her deep commitment to uplifting others through the power of the arts.