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.

Kenyetta Smith LinkedIn

Kenyetta Smith

Engagement and Operations Coordinator

In her role as Engagement and Operations Coordinator, Kenyetta will spearhead DAA’s membership communication and strategic outreach. She will also provide critical support for content development and community engagement for the Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism Recovery and Growth Plan.

Kenyetta is a fintech writer and brand copywriter.  She has worked in Fortune 100 companies such as PaulHastings LLP and Capital Group as a project manager and writer.  She began her financial career At JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and McKinsey & Co, respectively, as a key support member of their banking teams.  She has also consulted as a film entertainment data strategist and worked with equity and inclusion and climate-focused nonprofit organizations.

An award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director, Kenyetta recently relocated from Los Angeles to Wilmington. She is passionate about the arts and filmmaking as a sustainable career option for future generations. She earned a B.A. in English from Columbia University and a film production certificate from Los Angeles Community College.

Chonnie Blair LinkedIn

Chonnie Blair

Project Management Consultant

In her role as Project Management Consultant, Chonnie provides project management oversight for the Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism project. Additionally, she manages a team of contracted Community Engagement Captains to support the work.

Chonnie is the founder and CEO of Chinwe Solutions LLC, which is a Delaware based consulting company that is focused on transforming educational entities, nonprofit organizations and small businesses through project/program management, training and executive coaching. Prior to launching Chinwe Solutions, Chonnie excelled in roles within the private and public sectors working with organizations such as Xerox, Ernst & Young, Drexel University, Project Management Institute and 2U, Inc.

Chonnie holds a B.S in Accounting from Gwynedd Mercy University and M.A in Educational Technology and Media Design from Full Sail University, a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate from Georgetown University, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from University of South Florida, is a project management professional (PMP), a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach.

Martha Canseco LinkedIn

Martha Canseco

Communications Intern

Martha has been a student at Delaware Technical Community College for three years, transitioning from multimedia to a communications major. She has acquired numerous skills in photography, graphic design, video production, and newswriting. She is currently working on finishing her associate degree and has joined DAA as its first intern. 

As a native of Delaware, Martha is enthusiastic about nurturing the growth of the arts in her community. With a long-standing involvement with the arts, she has actively participated in various art classes, attended art exhibitions, and was a member of a choir for several years. 

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

Kenyetta Smith

Engagement and Operations Coordinator

In her role as Engagement and Operations Coordinator, Kenyetta will spearhead DAA’s membership communication and strategic outreach. She will also provide critical support for content development and community engagement for the Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism Recovery and Growth Plan.

Kenyetta is a fintech writer and brand copywriter.  She has worked in Fortune 100 companies such as PaulHastings LLP and Capital Group as a project manager and writer.  She began her financial career At JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and McKinsey & Co, respectively, as a key support member of their banking teams.  She has also consulted as a film entertainment data strategist and worked with equity and inclusion and climate-focused nonprofit organizations.

An award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director, Kenyetta recently relocated from Los Angeles to Wilmington. She is passionate about the arts and filmmaking as a sustainable career option for future generations. She earned a B.A. in English from Columbia University and a film production certificate from Los Angeles Community College.

Linkedin

Chonnie Blair

Project Management Consultant

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.

Board of Directors

Molly Giordano

President

Executive Director  |  Delaware Art Museum

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

Pamelyn Manocchio

Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair

Arts Advocate and Experienced Arts Administrator

Arreon Harley-Emerson

Secretary

President & CEO  |  Equity Sings, LLC

Jennifer Boland

Art Educator  |  Campus Community School & Delaware Technical Community College

Debora Hansen

Governance Chair and Executive Committee-at-large

Education Associate for Visual & Performing Arts  |  Retired

Michael Dudich

Former Executive Director  |  Biggs Museum of American Art

Trauma Academy Coordinator  |  Delaware State University

Professional Artist and Entrepreneur

Kent County Regional Business Manager and Main Streets Program Coordinator | Delaware Division of Small Business

Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer | Beebe Healthcare

Executive and Artistic Director | Delaware Theatre Company

Executive Director | Southern Delaware Tourism