Interim Executive Director
Margie J. Reese

Margie J. Reese is an educator and life-long arts advocate. She has over 40 years’ experience in the field of arts administration, more than 22 of those heading a local arts agency, including service as Executive Director of the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of Dallas and General Manager for the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs where she held her position under three Mayoral administrations. Her expertise as a grant maker was tapped by the Ford Foundation to advance cultural projects in West Africa. Over the years, Margie has directly been responsible for the distribution of over $450m in arts funding to artists and arts organizations on a global level. Her recent resident consultancy with the City Austin, Texas involved reviewing and revising the city’s grant funding programs through an equity lens.  The report was acknowledged by the National League of Cities, receiving one of their coveted Cultural Diversity Awards in March 2023.  

Margie currently serves as a faculty member for the National Arts Leaders of Color Fellowship Program and is a Grants Panelists for the Tennessee Arts Council and advisor to Mid America Arts Alliance in Kansas City, MO. She received a BA from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington and an MFA in Theater from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. 

Office Manager/Public Information Officer
Rachel Fludd

Rachel Fludd has been immersed in the arts since her first dance lessons at three-years-old. Born in Columbia, and raised in Los Angeles and Connecticut, Rachel immersed herself in theater, dance, and music throughout her childhood. She studied dance and costume design at the College of Charleston, before completing her BA in  Communication at Columbia College.

Public Art Administrator
Pamela Zeljak

Pamela Zeljak is an impactful arts leader that has served the public and private sectors for the last sixteen years. She has used her knowledge in arts management, strategic planning, project management, and building relationships with artists to carry out over 20 public art projects.  Some that can be found in Ocala, FL Inverness, FL, Lauderhill, Fl and Oklahoma City, Her expertise in public art has led to partnerships with companies like CPH Engineering, Edward Jones, Colen Built Development, and the Culture Curators.  Pamela’s main focus in her public art practice is representation and accessibility for all.

Photo credit: Meagan Gumpert Photography

Community Engagement Specialist
Darion McCloud

Darion McCloud is no stranger to the arts community in Columbia. He is cofounder and creative director of the NiA Theatre Company and is the creator and Captain of Story Squad. As a professional storyteller he has performed in venues as varied as prisons and the Governor’s Mansion, though he may be most fond of being the favorite of many school children. Some of Darion’s most favorite roles include Macduff in MacBeth, Othello in Othello, Levee in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Bernard in Boys in the Band, Actor 5 in Transparency of Val, Other in The White Problem among others. 

Technical Theater Project Manager
Stephen Bell

Stephen is a Stage Designer and Theatre Technician. He is a Junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Music Industry Studies and minoring in Media Arts. Stephen has been working in Live Production for 7 years and is dedicated to educating the next generation of Production Artists. He is currently working as the Project Coordinator of the newly launched Technical Theater Initiative for One Columbia.