Program Staff

Ken Skrzesz
Executive Directorkenneth.skrzesz1@maryland.govKen Skrzesz has served as the Executive Director of the Maryland State Arts Council since 2017, emphasizing procedural equity as the path toward quality arts experiences for all Maryland residents. From 2014-2017, Ken was the Coordinator of Fine Arts for the Maryland State Department of Education, where he shared his vision of creativity and collaboration as the driving forces of success for all students. Ken has designed and implemented arts education and professional development programs in numerous locations through standards development, curriculum writing, and assessment.

Precious Blake
Program Director, Arts in Educationprecious.blake@maryland.gov(410) 767-6476Program(s):Arts in Education Programs
Chad Buterbaugh
State Folkloristchad.buterbaugh@maryland.gov410-767-6450Program(s):Maryland Traditions
Rosa Chang
Special Projects and Grants AssociateRosa.Chang@maryland.gov410-767-8879Program(s):Public Art Programs
Liesel Fenner
Program Director, Public Artliesel.fenner@maryland.gov410-767-6544Program(s):Public Art Programs
Catherine Frost
Arts in Education Grants Management Associatecatherine.frost@maryland.gov(410) 767-8865Program(s):Arts in Education Programs


Tammy Oppel
Grants Management Associatetammy.oppel@maryland.gov410-767-8851Program(s):Creativity Grants, Grants for Organizations, Professional Development, Special Request GrantDana Parsons
Director, Grants and Professional Developmentdana.parsons@maryland.gov410.767.6557Program(s):Grants for Organizations, Professional Development, Special Request Grant
Ryan Patterson
Public Art Project ManagerRyan.Patterson1@maryland.gov 410-767-6412Program(s):Public Art Programs

Steven Skerritt-Davis
Deputy Director steven.skerritt-davis@maryland.gov410-767-6494Program(s):County Arts Agencies of Maryland, Arts & Entertainment Districts, Independent Artist Award
Emily Sollenberger Dobbins
Program Director, Arts Services; Disciplines: Arts Services, Children's Events, Folk & Traditional Arts, Large Organizations, Multi-disciplinary, Visual Arts/Mediaemily.sollenberger@maryland.gov410-767-6484Program(s):Creativity Grants, Grants for Organizations, Independent Artist Award, Maryland Presenting and Touring