Who We are

 

The Trust is an independent body that includes  policymakers, philanthropists, artistic practitioners, business and community leaders and the public. We practice a generative thought process that results in obtainable solutions for arts and culturally related issues. The Trust's intent is to help sustain the long-term growth of the arts in Greater Rochester thereby providing a rich culture for all. Trustees determine policy and direction for the support and development of the arts and humanities through six generative goals.

And they’re also real people.

If you want to be considered for a Trustee position, please complete the Application Form.

 

 

Officers

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Susan mackert, chair

Consultant, Arts Education
Sue has extensive experience in the field of arts education. When not flitting about or leaping tall buildings in a single bound, she can be found wandering in the arboretum or jetting off to NYC to visit family, former students and the bright lights of Broadway. Sue also plays guitar and banjo and has taught photography at college workshops.

 
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Jim Sloan,  Treasurer

Jim is a former IBMer and software business owner who is a well-known figure, along with his wife Judy, in Rochester. He is big on Rotary, ice cream and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jim is also a singer and can strum a mean guitar. He can strum nice guitars too.


Trustees

Mayor KIM NORTON

City of Rochester
Kim Norton became the first woman Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota in 2018 and took office on January 1, 2019. Most recently Kim won a Bush Fellowship which allowed her to complete a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public affairs focused on leadership and energy policy.

 

barbara jordan

Barbara Jordan is currently an Education Administrator at Mayo Clinic where she has worked for over 23 years. She has a dual assignment with leadership responsibility for the Mayo Clinic Quality Academy and the College of Medicine Office for Diversity.

 

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State Senator Carla Nelson

(R-Rochester)
Carla has been honored many times for the outstanding work she has achieved representing our community’s interests at the State Capitol. She currently is the Senate Education Finance Chair overseeing 42% of the State's budget! No wonder after hours will find her relaxing with yoga and sharing her gift of music through song. Carla plays piano and alto clarinet, was first chair in the Iowa All-State Band and toured Europe with America's Youth in Concert.

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Judy Sloan

Judy and Jim Sloan Foundation
Judy is a dyslexia therapist with the Rochester Reading Center, former Arts Council member, and drama and speech coach. She sees herself as a singer, actress and dancer...forever young! 

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Sharon Gentling

Philanthropist
Sharon has been involved in the Rochester Arts scene for over 4 decades, lending her philanthropic bent to myriad boards with her time, talent and treasure.  While her fundraising abilities are legendary, it is her personal attraction to a cause that resonates. The first celebrity dancer approached when Dancing for the Arts was a fledgling idea, she immediately said yes. And the rest is history. Now an international and national award winning ballroom competitor, #1 in the country in her category, she has stepped up as a judge for that same DFTA.

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Dawn Davis, M.D.

Professor/Physician-Mayo Clinic
Dawn has considerable experience in the area of philanthropy as well as holding many leadership positions at Mayo Clinic. Among those positions, currently she is the chair of the Clinical Dermatology Division, Practice Chair for the Dept. of Dermatology and Medical Director of Alumni Relations. She is past president of the Ronald McDonald House and winner of the 2018 DFTA trophy. And in her spare time (ha!) she also plays piano and percussion and has performed Bagra and Bollywood dances at Diwali.

 

Staff

Judy Hickey

CEO
Judy’s educational background in theatre arts has provided her extensive experiences in multiple artistic mediums that include theatrical arts, visual arts, music and dance. She’s done it all, including volunteering as a SEMAC grant evaluator. For over two decades, she has contributed to our youth arts organizations through various board positions.