May 6, 2024
The South Carolina Arts Alliance Board of Directors announces the appointment of new board members, continuing its commitment to statewide representation in it’s organizational leadership.
At its April 26th meeting, the South Carolina Arts Alliance Board of Directors unanimously approved the addition of five new board members, strengthening its mission to advance the arts for all South Carolinians with leaders that represent a variety a South Carolina regions and arts organizations.
“We’re very excited to welcome these new members to our Board. Each of them is making a tangible impact in their respective communities through the arts,” says Dana Gencarelli, SCAA Board President. “When we talk about a thriving cultural industry, its groups like Engaging Creative Minds, One Columbia for Arts & Culture, Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, The Gray Man Gallery and more that are leading the way.”
The new members will join the Board in July, and will serve three year terms. We hope you will also join us in bidding a fond farewell to Tom Peters, Executive Director of South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics and Science, former SC House Member Vida Miller, and Benedict College Honors College Director Eric Crawford, who will all depart the Board in June.
Robin Berlinsky
CEO, Engaging Creative Minds
Charleston County
Robin Berlinsky is a self-proclaimed champion of the WOOHOO spirit and cheerleader for high-quality education. Passionate about empowering social change, Robin Berlinsky is a dedicated nonprofit coach with a unique flair for guiding nonprofit organizations at all stages of development out of scarcity and into abundance. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, Robin specializes in providing comprehensive support in critical areas such as strategic planning, organizational development, and effective grant writing.
ECM, a nonprofit based in Charleston, South Carolina, works with school districts, principals, teachers, and the local workforce to identify specific knowledge and skillsets all students should master before graduating high school. ECM Instructors are local artists, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals, and cultural organizations who we train to work with K-12 teachers Their instructors help teachers to enhance student learning via arts integrating learning using innovation, design, and creativity. Our goal is for every student to achieve academically, stay engaged in school, and succeed in life; while their teachers develop engaging teaching strategies in arts integration and entrepreneurship that foster communication, critical thinking, self-awareness, and future planning. Teachers and students report that ECM is a powerful model of success.
Xavier Blake
Executive Director, One Columbia for Arts and Culture
Richland County
A native of Bamberg SC, Mr. Blake spent over two decades at South Carolina Educational Television working in the nonprofit public media, arts and cultural sector. He has a robust portfolio as a videographer, producer, director and has been a Creative Mentor as part of an initiative of the South Carolina Arts Commission. Blake most recently held positions at WMHT Public Media in Troy, New York. Xavier and his family
returned to Columbia in January 2023, where he currently serves as the Community Programming & Engagement Coordinator at Nickelodeon Theater. Blake earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. He has a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from the University of South Florida and was a member of the inaugural class of Central Carolina Community Foundation’s BIPOC Leadership Training and Coaching Program. He is an annual presenter at the International Public TV Conference and served as a conference moderator at their 2022 convening in Taipei.
Kathryn Boucher
Executive Director, Spartanburg Philharmonic
Spartanburg County
Kathryn Boucher joined the Spartanburg Philharmonic as Executive Director in May of 2014. Ms. Boucher works collaboratively with the Spartanburg Philharmonic Board of Directors on strategic initiatives in furthering the mission to enrich, inspire, and educate the community through live performances of high quality music. With roots dating back to 1884, the Spartanburg Philharmonic is one of the largest performing arts organizations in the region.
Born and raised in Greenville, SC, Kathryn earned her Bachelor’s Degrees in Finance & Art History from Wofford College. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from Winthrop University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. Her successful 20+ year career in arts management began as a Development Officer with the Mint Museums of Art in Charlotte, NC.
In addition to her leadership at the Spartanburg Philharmonic, she is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina, Leadership Spartanburg, the SC Diversity Leaders Initiative through the Riley Institute at Furman University and a Regional Fellow of the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. In November of 2017, she was chosen as one of twelve in the nation to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program through the League of American Orchestras. Her community involvement includes serving on and leading regional and national non-profit boards and most recently served as Chair for the League of American Orchestras, Groups 7-8.
Janice Crews
Executive Director, Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
Pickens County
A native of Athens, Georgia, Dr. Crews previously served as the Director of the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA) at Austin Peay State University. In her role as CECA Director, Dr. Crews was responsible for facilitating more than 100 events per year while managing the Community School of the Arts. By establishing strong regional and national partnerships, Dr. Crews founded an arts experience grant program for grades K-12, which has since reached more than 12,000 students.
An oboist and music educator by training, Crews began her career as a public school music teacher before pursuing graduate studies in music performance and a career in arts administration. With teaching experience at all levels, from Pre-K to adult learners, Crews has a passion for providing professional development and arts experiences for local teachers and students. She has led education outreach programs with both the Atlanta Symphony and Charleston Symphony Orchestras, and has acted as a consultant for arts organizations throughout the Southeast. Crews has also performed as a professional oboist throughout the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, and holds a DMA in Oboe Performance from Louisiana State University (2010), as well as a Master’s in Music Performance (2006) and a Bachelor’s in Music Education (2002), both from the University of Georgia.
Kathryn McKissick
Owner, Gray Man Gallery
Georgetown County
Kathryn Taylor McKissick, a graphic artist originally from Greenville, SC, now owns and operates Gray Man Gallery in Pawleys Island, SC. She specializes in showcasing and supporting local artists while emphasizing Lowcountry themes. She’s also a mom to three rescue dogs and serves on the board of Georgetown Maritime Museum.
