The Caroline County Council of Arts’ Board and Team members bring together a rich tapestry of experiences, all dedicated to the advancement and support of Caroline County’s vibrant creative community. Our strong allegiance to the mission reflects our belief that the thriving arts scene is integral to the overall flourishing of Caroline County.
President
Kendall, the Business Development Coordinator for Caroline County Economic Development, has been a vital asset since joining in January 2021. Managing outreach events and communication efforts to the business community, she brings an eclectic creative energy and fosters positive productivity in any environment.
A proud graduate of North Caroline High School, Kendall pursued Fine Arts at Towson University. Currently residing in Caroline County, she is not only the President of the Caroline County Council of Arts but also a dedicated professional contributing significantly to the economic development and vibrant business community in the region.
Vice President
Principal and founder of Nerve Center Media, Chris is not only an accomplished individual but also a true maestro in the realms of photography, video production, and sound design. His talents bring warmth and creativity to every project, making him a valuable asset in any collaborative endeavor. He is a life-long musician extending his percussion talents with local performers like the Guthrie Matthews, Method, Jeff Washington & 8 Ohms.
Secretary
Sue Simmons, a dedicated leader with a 37-year tenure as Director of Caroline County Recreation & Parks, has been a driving force in community development. With a degree in Recreation Administration from West Virginia University, she transformed challenges into opportunities, honing her skills in outcomes, policy-making, and community engagement.
Her passion for land conservation grew alongside Caroline County’s public park system. Over 25 years of planning and executing Summerfest, Sue turned it into a signature event for the county, embodying her commitment to community recreation. Recognized for her tireless advocacy, Sue’s impact extends beyond Caroline County, with profound involvement in ESLC, ESMOM, and regional conservation efforts.
Sue’s dedication extends beyond her professional accomplishments; she is a mentor, friend, and advocate for all. As the previous board president and recent interim manager, she embodies the spirit of community and demonstrates unwavering commitment to the arts. Sue Simmons, a true champion of the arts, has left an indelible mark on Caroline County and beyond.
Treasurer
Adam serves as board treasurer, but his community engagement is not limited to the arts. He was elected board chair in 2023 for the Caroline Chamber of Commerce; he’s a youth lacrosse coach and proud father of two lacrosse-playing children, and he’s an active member of the Denton Christian Church and musician in their praise and worship band.
Professionally, he has 20+ years in community banking and serves as a VP/Commercial Banking Officer for Summit Community Bank.
Judy reveal is a wordsmith extraordinaire, finding her true joy in the realm of literature. A skilled editor and Managing Editor for crisisjournal.org, she crafts both fiction and non-fiction stories. As a respected figure in the writing community, she has served as president of the Eastern Shore Writer’s Association, offering engaging workshops across the mid-Atlantic region. Her contributions extend to insightful book reviews for the New York Journal of Books, reflecting her deep passion for storytelling. Affiliated with prestigious organizations, including the Editorial Freelancers Association, Judy is a multifaceted force in the world of words.
Keith is a retired High School English & Communications teacher from Caroline County Public Schools, “Shaf” is a beloved community theater director & playwright. His 30+ year leadership of the North Caroline High School Drama Club with the 1000+ students that were enriched by this on-stage and behind-the-curtain experience has extended to Shore Shakespeare Company, Summer Teen Drama Workshop (Lady Caroline’s Players) & Caroline Community Theater.
Yolanda is an artist, community historian, and writer residing in Caroline County, Maryland. She currently serves as a board member of the Caroline County Council of Arts, Maryland State Arts Council, Chesapeake Heartland Advisory Committee, and Lockerman Schools Association. Recent projects include an artist residency and solo exhibit at The Foundry in Denton, MD, showing of selected works at the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts in Centreville, MD, and curating the traveling exhibit, “The History of the Shantytowns on Kent Narrows”. Yolanda is dedicated to exploring, documenting, and celebrating the rich heritage of Black communities across the Eastern Shore.”
Mickey Pullen, born in Washington, D.C., has led a life full of adventure and service. Raised in Florida, he earned a Criminal Justice degree from Florida State University and worked in law enforcement. In Alaska, he joined the State Troopers, met his wife, and started a family. Later, Mickey transitioned to nursing and Healthcare IT before retiring to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
A lifelong photographer, Mickey’s work is cherished by the Caroline County Tourism office and various nonprofits. At The Foundry, he found a welcoming community and is dedicated to supporting fellow artists.
Mickey’s spirit of adventure and dedication to community makes him a valued member of our team.
Born and raised in Caroline County, Amber Korell embodies the spirit of small-town living. As the current Town Manager of Preston, she oversees financial operations, employee management, and community projects with dedication and passion. Her career includes extensive experience in town administration, from code enforcement to event planning. Amber’s commitment to enhancing local life is evident through her roles in various community initiatives and her continuous professional development, including certifications in municipal management and public policy. An advocate for local businesses and youth engagement, Amber’s empathetic and strategic approach ensures a positive impact on the community.
Billy Johnson brings a wealth of experience in communication, teaching, conflict resolution, and community engagement. As the Senior Minister at Denton Christian Church since 2008, he oversees church administration, delivers weekly sermons, and manages various ministry teams and volunteers. His dedication to community service extends to his role as a Workforce Development Trainer for the Caroline County Department of Social Services, where he develops and implements courses on job readiness, financial literacy, and personal development. With a strong background in training and public speaking, Billy is committed to fostering growth and positive change within the community.
Ex-Officio Director
Caroline County Public Library
Debby is a lover of books, birds & the arts. She has been a professional librarian with Caroline Public Library since 1983 & has been director since 2010. She is a member of the Caroline County Bird Club and has dedicated herself to conservation & bird watch efforts to document the seasonal variation in migration & species counts for over 20 years.
Her volunteer and professional work in the arts has inspired local literary dinners, Murder Mystery Events, & remarkable concert performances both in the library facilities and the community.
Ex-Officio Director
FACES
Victoria Scott McConnell brings extensive experience in education and the arts. With thirty-three years of teaching in Caroline County Public Schools and a lifelong passion for fiber arts, Victoria has significantly influenced her community.
She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education, an M.S. in Science Curriculum, and an Ed.D. in Innovation and Leadership. Victoria also has National Board Certifications and has attended multiple Governor’s Academies.
Beyond teaching, she co-farmed a 30-acre produce farm, founded a summer art school, and serves as President of the Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore. Her volunteer roles include Girl Scout leader and member of the Board of Directors for Chesapeake Bay Girl Scouts.
Victoria’s dedication and leadership make her a valued member of our team, inspiring both students and fellow artists.
Executive Director
George joins us from central Florida, bringing with him a wealth of experience in community leadership. His diverse background includes serving as an executive director of a chamber of commerce, a communications director for an international boarding school, and a public information officer for a public school district. With decades of experience in nonprofit organizations and a strong connection to the arts, education, and executive management, George is well-equipped to lead CCCA into its next chapter.
In his role, George aims to further CCCA’s mission by expanding organizational membership and funding, promoting community access to the arts, driving economic development within the Denton Artsway and other Caroline County municipalities, supporting individual artists, and enhancing arts programming in Caroline County schools.
George holds a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University and a Master of Arts from American University. “My position aligns well with both my professional experiences and lifelong interests in the arts and arts advocacy,” says Karos. “I am especially honored and extremely excited to help CCCA facilitate the presence of the arts in Caroline County, a place with which I have strong personal ties.”
Program Manager
Originally from Philadelphia and an alumna of the College of Southern Maryland, Megan began her artistic journey at 16, exhibiting her work in her first gallery show. Since joining the CCCA in 2022, she has been a driving force behind diverse art shows and programs, fostering connections within the artistic community.
In addition to being program coordinator, as the manager of Denton Artsway and The Foundry Art Gallery, Megan, alongside her loyal companion pictured with her above, Belladonna, creates spaces filled with creative energy.
In addition to her management roles, Megan oversees our social media and outreach efforts, ensuring our message reaches far and wide. She also shares her passion for art by teaching specialized classes for special needs adults and co-founded the ‘True Colors’ art show with Corsica River Mental Health, showcasing the healing power of art in mental health.
© 2024 Caroline County Council of Arts.