Andy Fife, Executive Director
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.
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, Deputy Director
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.
Ellen Whitlock Baker, Program Manager
Ellen Whitlock Baker returned to Shunpike in June 2009 as the Programs Manager of the Partner Artist Program, having previously served as Shunpike’s programs intern in 2008. Ellen manages Shunpike’s Partner Artist (fiscal sponsorship) Program, including account and project management, program development, and program administration. Ellen’s expertise is in performance measurement and program evaluation of arts organizations. She has previously worked with organizations such as the Washington State Arts Commission, the Snohomish Boys & Girls Club, Youth Theatre Northwest, and the University of Washington.
Ellen received her Masters in Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington and her undergraduate degree in Theatre from Whitman College. Prior to entering the administrative side of the arts, she worked in many theatres as an actor and a scenic painter, from Seattle, Washington all the way to Arrow Rock, Missouri.
Caitlin Sullivan, Program Coordinator
Caitlin Sullivan joined Shunpike as the Program Coordinator in May 2010. Caitlin coordinates the Seattle Arts Leadership Lab and Arts Business Clinic, and provides support for Shunpike’s other programs. In addition to working at Shunpike, Caitlin is a theater artist and the Managing Director of Shunpike Partner Artist 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. Caitlin is a founding member of The Satori Group.
Lindsey Conlin, Graduate Program Intern
Lindsey Conlin is currently a graduate student at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs where she is studying to get her Masters in Public Administration. Before starting at the Evans School, Lindsey lived for 4 years in New York City working for a variety of different non-profit organizations. During her internship at Shunpike, Lindsey’s primary roles include coordinating the start-up of two new programs in Tacoma: Spaceworks Tacoma and Tacoma Arts Leadership Lab.
Lindsey graduated from Villanova University with degrees in English and Communications. Since the arts have been a large part of Lindsey’s life since she was young, she is very excited about this opportunity to intern with Shunpike and further engage the arts community.
Jeff Oh, Intern
Chelsea Williams, Intern
