Andy Fife joined Shunpike as Executive Director in September 2007. He directs programs and operations, manages communications and strategy, and performs consulting services in strategic planning, board development, organizational development and financial services.
Andy is involved in the arts community in many ways. Beyond Shunpike, he serves on the Washington State Arts Commission and committees of other local arts commissions and advocacy agencies in and around Seattle. Before he began at Shunpike, Andy worked for many years managing arts endeavors in Seattle and other areas of the country. At Consolidated Works, Seattle’s former multi-disciplinary contemporary art center, he served as Director of Operations, managing production and administration. His Seattle experience also includes Publicist for Seattle International Film Festival and coordinator for several projects and workshops in the area.
Originally from the Chicago-land area, Andy began founding, running, and working with organizations while still finishing his undergraduate degree in Performance Studies at Northwestern University. Included in the list of past accomplishments are a housing cooperative, a dance theatre company, a multi-disciplinary performance series, a recording studio, and several creative projects in performance and installation. Trained in acting, writing, and music, he still dabbles occasionally in creative endeavors including playing his trombone and adapting literature for performance.
Michelle Chiachiere is a founder of Shunpike and became Deputy Director in January 2009. Her expertise is in individual and institutional fundraising, special events, and board and organizational development. In addition to Shunpike – and the many area arts groups she’s worked with while there – Michelle has worked in ACT’s development department and as the Development Director at On the Boards.
Michelle graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Theater Arts and Women’s Studies and studied at the British American Dramatic Academy. She has performed with several area theaters, including Seattle Shakespeare, The Empty Space, Annex and in the 14/48 Festival.
Rachel Painting joined Shunpike as the Operations Manager in March 2011. Rachel is a self proclaimed nonprofit nerd and lover of all forms of art. She brings over a decade of experience working and volunteering with nonprofit organizations. She’s been involved with a wide variety of arts groups and helped found a still active 501(c)(3) arts organization in Austin, TX.
Rachel is currently enrolled in Seattle University’s Executive Masters in Nonprofit Leadership program where she is focused on capacity and community building within small organizations.
Matthew Richter is the Program Manager for Storefronts Seattle, which activates neighborhoods by matching artists and arts projects to vacant retail spaces. Matthew has also been a participating Storefronts artist – him xom furniture designs were featured in a fine woodworking gallery in Pioneer Square. Beyond his personal connection to the program, Matthew brings a wealth of experience in running innovative arts projects & organizations, which will be of great benefit to Storefronts Seattle’s continued growth.
Caitlin Sullivan joined Shunpike as the Program Coordinator in May 2010. In addition to working at Shunpike, Caitlin is a theater artist and the Artistic Director of Shunpike member The Satori Group.
Caitlin graduated from Williams College with a degree in Theater and Political Science. She has worked as a director, dramaturge and teaching artist, and took stops in Johannesburg, East Palo Alto, and Cincinnati before landing in Seattle.
Mark Arduini, Graduate Intern
Mandy Canales, Graduate Intern
Alexa Steingold, Intern