Michelle Chiachiere is a founder of Shunpike. She became Interim Executive Director in March 2013, after serving as Deputy Director since the beginning of 2009. She directs programs and operations, manages strategy, communications and fundraising, and leads a top-notch team in fulfilling Shunpike’s mission.
Michelle’s nonprofit expertise is broad, resulting from prior work experience, her time building Shunpike over more than a decade, and the experience of partnering with hundreds of diverse arts groups and projects through Shunpike’s programs. She is an expert in board and organizational development, financial management, communications and fundraising. Michelle’s previous work experience includes several positions in ACT’s development department and serving as the Development Director at On the Boards.
Michelle also brings experience as a theatre-maker. She 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 Company, The Empty Space, Annex Theatre and in the 14/48 Festival.
Casey Engels joined Shunpike as its Arts Business Clinic Manager in February of 2013. Her past work dovetails art and civic engagement practices, with a natural instinct towards organizational and systems development. Her time with the Center for Art and Community Partnerships at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, as well as work with independent artists and collaboratives, is a great foundation for her role.
Having started on the East Coast, she graduated with a degree in Art and Art Therapy from Lesley University in Boston, MA. She circumnavigated the globe for over a year volunteering on small farms and researching international community arts practices. Now settled in Seattle, Casey looks to share the giddy satisfaction and momentum that comes with being the best creative sherpa she can be.
Rachel Painting joined Shunpike 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 a graduate of Seattle University’s Executive Masters in Nonprofit Leadership program, where she 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 – his 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.
Anne Blackburn joined Shunpike in December 2012. An installation artist, independent curator and arts administrator, Anne delights in working with artists, creating installations in natural and built landscapes, and engaging with local communities.
A resident of Seattle for 15 years, she has been involved with Pratt Fine Arts Center, 911 Media, Washington Ensemble Theatre, co-founded Canoe Social Club, and serves on the advisory board for Smoke Farm. She holds a degree in Arts, Culture, and Narrative from the Johnston Center at the University of Redlands.
Kellen Braddock joined Shunpike in June 2012. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Arts Leadership through Seattle University, matching her interest in creative business and nonprofit work.
Kellen enjoys writing poetry and pursuing mixed media projects with artists of all kinds. She is also on the leadership team for APRIL, ‘Authors, Publishers, and Readers of Independent Literature,’ Seattle’s small press and independent literature festival.