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 (when available). Click the second + sign to view agenda (when available), coordinators and NASAA staff manager.

Chairs and Council Members

Coordinators

  • TBD

 

Peer Group Manager: Katie Hughes

Executive Directors

Peer Group Manager: Kelly Barsdate

Deputy Directors

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 PrickettDora 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

Coordinators

 

Peer Group Manager: Meghan McFerrin

Communications Managers/PIOs

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

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

Coordinators

 

Peer Group Manager: Eric Giles

Grants and Fiscal Officers

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

Coordinators

 

Peer Group Manager: Shaun Harrison