Columbus, Ohio – The Greater Columbus Arts Council (Arts Council) has hired Sean Kessler as grants coordinator for the Grants & Services department. Kessler officially joined the Arts Council staff in April.
Prior to joining the Arts Council, Kessler served as managing director for Columbus Dance Theatre (CDT) since 2010. His duties included grant writing, development, financial tracking, production assistance, studio and theatre rental coordination, and operations oversight. Kessler received his bachelor of fine arts in dance from The Ohio State University (OSU) while dancing as a founding company member at Columbus Dance Theatre. Upon graduating from OSU, Kessler danced with Chicago Ballet and Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak Dance Company in Chicago. After 20 years dancing, he shifted his focus to arts administration and became the managing assistant director for CDT in 2008, where his professional career began.
“Sean will be an asset to our talented staff,” said Tom Katzenmeyer, president of the Arts Council. “He has a variety of experience that will serve him well in this position, and his passion for the arts is evident. We are thrilled to have him join us.”
Katzenmeyer recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with the Arts Council. Shortly after Katzenmeyer took the position of president, he recruited former co-worker from Ohio State, Sue Jones, to be his executive assistant. Jones has been with the Arts Council since April 2013. As executive assistant, Jones provides administrative support to the president and the Arts Council’s Board of Trustees and committees as well as implements special events
The Arts Council is also pleased to announce staff promotions. Deanna Poelsma, who served as an intern before joining the staff as Grants & Services clerk, has been promoted to Grants & Services coordinator. Poelsma is responsible for coordinating the International Artist Exchange Program, OPPArt , and the Arts Legal Assistance Program. She also assists potential applicants with questions regarding policies, eligibility and submission processes for the Individual Artist Fellowship Programs and power2give.
Jennifer Sadler, who joined the Arts Council staff in 2002 and served as the Columbus Arts Festival coordinator until 2007, before joining the marketing department, has been promoted to Marketing, Communications & Events manager. As manager, Sadler works to promote the Arts Council’s programs, events and services, assists with internal and external communications, and manages all social media efforts. Sadler also serves as editor and writer for the Arts Council’s monthly newsletter, Front Row Center.
The Columbus Arts Festival also welcomed two new coordinators in 2013, Inal Elbeyli, who started in September, and Kez Hall, who joined the staff in July. Elbeyli and Hall served as Festival interns before joining the staff full-time. Both Elbeyli and Hall are responsible for the planning, organizing and execution of the Columbus Arts Festival and assist with marketing efforts. Elbeyli also provides IT support for the Arts Council staff.
About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support. www.gcac.org
CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
