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Dr. Michelle Cihak, Executive Director
michelle.cihak@gsarts.net

Dr. Michelle (Shelly) Cihak entered the journalism field after earning a B.A. from Vanderbilt University in communications and political science. After working for outlets such as Good Morning America, Bloomberg Personal Finance, and PennWell Publishing, she followed her passion into the field of education. As a Literary Arts Instructor at the York County School of the Arts, Dr. Shelly taught creative writing, art history, and dramaturgy, as well as wrote and directed numerous theatre programs. Going on to earn a M.S. in curriculum and instruction from Walden University and a doctorate in Education, Policy, Planning, and Leadership from The College of William & Mary, Dr. Cihak continued to support students and teachers as an International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Assessment and Compliance Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal. She combines her love of both the arts and education in her current role as Executive Director of The Governor’s School for the Arts. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor in the graduate program at The College of William & Mary’s School of Education, preparing the next generation of school leaders. When not supporting young artists, Dr. Shelly can be found surrounded by rescue animals, while immersed in a good book.

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Rachel.McCall, Assistant Director/Foundation Director  rachel.mccall@gsarts.net

 Rachel recently served as Vice President of the Downtown Norfolk Council, leading operational and strategic initiatives that shaped the vibrancy of Downtown Norfolk for the past eleven years. In her various roles with the organization, Rachel advanced new businesses, special events and public art for Norfolk’s first arts district, the NEON District, supported Downtown’s Vibrant Spaces business catalyst program, and advocated for a pedestrian- and bike-friendly urban environment. Before joining the Downtown Norfolk Council in 2014, Rachel worked in book publishing and retail purchasing. She is a founding board member of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation and serves as co-chair of the foundation’s Programming and Marketing Committee. A graduate of the International Downtown Association’s Emerging Leader Fellowship, with a Leadership in Place Management certification, and a contributing author to A History Lover’s Guide to Norfolk, Rachel is passionate about the intersection of cities, history, and art.  Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Rachel received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from the College of William & Mary. 

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Kristen Outlaw-Hartman
Office Manager
kristen.outlaw-hartman@gsarts.net

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Wallis Quaintance
Student Data Specialist
wallis.quaintance@gsarts.net

Directory

Tel. 757-451-4711

Fax. 757-451-4715

254 Granby St, 
Norfolk, VA 23510

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