Experience one of the most valuable parts of NASAA Assembly 2026 in Washington, D.C.: dedicated peer group gatherings designed to spark ideas, strengthen connections and support the work of state arts agencies nationwide.
This year features special extended peer group time on Thursday, October 8, from 1:00–4:30 p.m., giving participants more space for meaningful conversation, collaboration and exchange. Groups will meet at locations across the city, creating opportunities to engage with colleagues while exploring the vibrant arts, culture and civic landscape of our nation’s capital.
For each peer group:
- Click the first + sign to view location.
- Click the second + sign to view agenda, coordinators and NASAA staff manager.
Chairs and Council Members
Executive Directors
DRAFT AGENDA
Peer Group Manager: Kelly Barsdate
Deputy Directors
Agenda coming soon
Coordinators
- David Markey, Deputy Director, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
- Natalie Petersen, Deputy Director, Utah Division of Arts & Museums
- André Zhang Sonera, Deputy Director of Operations & Strategic Partnerships, Indiana Arts Commission
Peer Group Managers: Sylvia Prickett, Dora Shick
504/ADA Coordinators
Coordinators
- Rhea Beto, Public Information Officer/Accessibility Coordinator, North Dakota Council on the Arts
- Lindsay Dandeo, Program Officer, Access Coordinator, New Jersey State Council on the Arts
- Jeff Garrett, Program Manager / Accessibility Coordinator, State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council
- Amanda Noyes, Arts Learning and Accessibility Director, South Carolina Arts Commission
- Charlie Sears, Community Arts Development Director, Alaska State Council on the Arts
Peer Group Manager: Eric Giles
Arts Education Managers
Communications Managers/PIOs
DRAFT AGENDA
Coordinators
- Victoria Gonzalez, Marketing & Outreach Manager, Colorado Creative Industries
- Yun Ku, Marketing and Communications Specialist, Nevada Arts Council
- Alysha Suryah, Marketing & Communications Manager, Maryland State Arts Council
- Vivienne Timchenko, Public Relations and Logistics Specialist, Wisconsin Arts Board
Peer Group Manager: Jhai James
Community Development Coordinators
DRAFT AGENDA
Coordinators
- Jon Berg, Creative Community Development & Infrastructure Programs Manager, Iowa Economic Development Authority
- Jackie Viskup, PhD, Community Arts & Arts Facilities Program Manager, Alabama State Council on the Arts
- Leigh Ann Wilder, Creative Economies Director, North Carolina Arts Council
Peer Group Manager: Eric Giles
Folk and Traditional Arts Program Managers
DRAFT AGENDA
Coordinators
- Joel Chapman, Program Associate, Folk and Traditional Arts, Mid Atlantic Arts
- Josh Chrysler, Folklorist & Health and Wellness Specialist, Wyoming Arts Council
- Kait Glasswell, Program Coordinator, Oregon Folklife Network
- Kerry Kaleba, Grants Associate, DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
- Dr. Elisha Oliver, Executive Director, Texas Folklife
- Stefani Priskos, Director, Alabama Center for Traditional Culture,
- Philitha Stemplys-Cowdrey, Southern New England Apprenticeship Program Manager, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
- Sally A. Van de Water, Program Officer, Folk & Traditional Arts, New Jersey State Council on the Arts
Peer Group Manager: Eric Giles
Grants and Fiscal Officers
DRAFT AGENDA
Coordinators
- Eli Cabañas, Grant + Website Manager, Accessibility Coordinator, Maine Arts Commission
- Alex Flannery, Grant Program Manager, State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC)
- Josy Miller, Ph.D., Arts Programs Manager, California Arts Council
Peer Group Manager: Kelly Liu
Public Art Managers
DRAFT AGENDA
Coordinators
- Meredith Doborski, Public Art Program Director, New Mexico Arts
- Karyn Miller, Public Arts Manager, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities