Staffing note regarding COVID-19: Because of the outbreak of COVID-19, and at the direction of local, state, and federal leaders, ArtsKC staff is working remotely from their homes. We will resume in-office work once it is safe to do so. In the interim, we invite you to contact us via email or phone, and we will follow up with your request as we are able. Thank you for your understanding.

The Team at ArtsKC

Leslie Escareno
Communications & Program Associate
816.994.9232

Leslie creates and manages content across all ArtsKC channels including social media, email, and ArtsKCGo.com. She also supports the Now Showing manager in artist recruitment and development for the program.

Anna Fiorella
Business Engagement Manager
816.994.9240

Anna manages the Now Showing Program, business engagement services, and ArtsKC workplace giving campaigns.

Sammy Fosah
Senior Accounting & Operations Manager
816.994.9221

Sammy supports the accounting and operations functions for the organization.

Zetta Hamersley
Executive Administrator & Board Liaison
816.994.9246

Zetta coordinates all organizational activities as they pertain to the President and CEO and the volunteer Board of Directors.

Branden Haralson
Senior Manager, Public Policy & Government Relations
816.994.9224

Branden manages the organization’s advocacy efforts and government relations.

Natalia Herrera
Communications Lead

Natalia leads the communications with her expertise in strategy and media relations.

Moriah Hillson
Director of Programs & Services
816.994.9226 

Moriah leads programs and services for artists and organizations. She manages Audience Development initiatives including ArtsKCGo.com, the Marketing Capacity Program, Arts Marketers Network, and other related programs.

Tara Karaim
Program Manager, Grants

816.994.9237
Tara facilitates hundreds of applications for funding a year, convenes decision committees, administers approvals and denials, and provides critical feedback to applicants.

Dana M. Knapp
President & CEO
816.994.9227 

Dana leads the ArtsKC team with expertise in support of local nonprofit arts and education organizations.

Godfrey Riddle
Director of Resource Development
816.994.9222 

Godfrey provides broad-based support for the arts community and cultivates corporate, foundation, and individual donor relationships.

Kristi Vassar
Accounting & Operations Coordinator
816.994.9225

Kristi supports the ArtsKC finance team, manages daily operation tasks, and assists the Grants Manager.

Kathryn Walker
Vice President of Finance & Operations
816.994.9228 

Kathryn oversees all accounting and administrative functions for the organization.

Staff photos by Tom Styrkowicz of 53Tom.com