NEFA’s Board of Directors Elects New Officers, Renews Members, and Celebrates Service

Jul 30, 2026

Carrie Zaslow, Adrienne Petrillo, and Harold Steward at the community reception | photo by Jeffrey Filiault/NEFA

Ann has long auburn hair. She's a white lady and she wears thick framed eyeglasses. She has gold earrings that dangle and a teal poncho.

Communications Director & Co-Accessibility Coordinator

(Boston, MA) The New England Foundation for the Arts announces the election of new Board officers, renewed members, and celebrates retiring members.

The theme of the annual Board retreat, held this year in Providence, RI, on June 17 and 18, was Rebuilding, Learning, and Leading. In addition to our normative board business, artist and culture strategist Sage Crump shared a presentation on adaptive leadership. Additionally, our National Theater Project team shared reflections on the program’s impact and additional presentations included updates related to NEFA’s 50th anniversary. At the meeting, the board voted to approve the following members and officers:

Headshots from top left: a young Asian woman with long brown hair; a middle-aged Black man with gray highlights; a middle-aged woman of color in glasses and a red lipstick; and a closeup scan of an image of a young Black woman. — clockwise from top left: Angie Lane, Frank Mitchell, Adele Sicilia, and Dawn Gibson-Brehon

Angie Lane and Frank Mitchell were elected Co-Chairs
Adele Sicilia was elected Vice Chair
Dawn Gibson-Brehon was elected Treasurer
Iván Espinoza-Madrigal was re-elected as Secretary
Chris Newell and Liz Shapiro have been re-elected to serve as at large members of the Executive Committee

The board also acknowledged three members rotating off the board this year:

Chip Newell is retiring after ten years
John Henry, board chair from 2021-2024, is retiring after nine years
Carrie Zaslow, board chair from 2024-2026, is retiring after 12 years

NEFA's annual retreats traditionally include a community reception with local arts community. This year, Board, staff, and guests celebrated leadership and experienced local arts at The Steel Yard on June 16.

After jazz from the Leland Baker Quartet, outgoing board chair Carrie Zaslow of the Providence Revolving Fund was recognized for her years of leadership at NEFA. "In her work as a funder, nonprofit executive, and as as artist, Carrie brought her multiple perspectives into each conversation, leading to incredibly thoughtful discussion and alignment with NEFA's values," said in coming board co-chairs Angie Lane and Frank Mitchell when presenting a gift to Carrie.

NEFA also recognized Kathleen Pletcher, founder and executive artistic director of FirstWorks, for her impact on the field and the community. “Since 2008, FirstWorks has received over 60 NEFA grants, partnering with organizations across the region to present a breadth of performances – local, national, and international artists - in this community. She also was involved with us in the early days of Center Stage and brought ensembles from across the globe to truly engage with Rhode Island communities. Lastly, during COVID, Kathleen led FirstWorks through evolution, resulting in deepening support for local artists and forming new community partnerships,” said NEFA Deputy Director, Regional Program Strategy, Adrienne Petrillo.

A blond white woman, in a black dress, poses with another white woman, in a purple and blue dress, and a Black man in a grey blazer and light-purple baseball cap. — Kathleen Pletcher with Adrienne Petrillo and Harold Steward at the community reception | photo by Jeffrey Filiault/NEFA

Both Carrie and Kathleen were recognized with certificates from the offices of Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabine Matos, Congressman Seth Magaziner, Congressman Gabe Amo, and Senator Jack Reed. After Lyui Shao, founder of the Providence-based Rhode Island Kung Fu & Lion Dance Club, introduced the ensemble, guests were treated to traditional dance, including a ceremonial piece that honored – and involved - Carrie and Kathy.

Finally, NEFA executive director Harold Steward invited the guests to join in a toast to celebrate NEFA’s 50th anniversary year, which launched in February on the date of NEFA’s incorporation as a nonprofit.

NEFA’s annual board retreats rotate to a different state each year; next year’s gathering is expected to take place in Vermont.

About NEFA

The New England Foundation for the Arts invests in artists and communities, fostering equitable access to the arts and enriching the cultural landscape in New England and across the United States. Founded in 1976, NEFA has grown into a vital national and international leader, advancing opportunities for artists and strengthening the arts infrastructure through grantmaking, partnerships, convenings, and knowledge sharing.

NEFA’s work is made possible through generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the six New England state arts agencies, private foundations, corporations, and individual donors. As NEFA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, it continues to lead with creativity, resilience, and vision, affirming the vital role of the arts in civic life and advancing a cultural landscape where all people have equitable access to artistic expression. www.nefa.org

Contact: Ann Wicks | 617-423-1390