Chelsea Chandler is the director of the Academy's Environmental Initiatives. She leads the Climate & Energy and Waters of Wisconsin Initiatives, to which she brings her interdisciplinary experience and passion for researching and communicating solutions to environmental challenges. Chelsea has a MEM in Global Change Science and Policy from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and a BA in Atmospheric Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Jody Clowes is the director of the Wisconsin Academy's James Watrous Gallery. With years of experience developing and curating exhibitions, running gallery programs, and writing about art, her background includes senior positions at Milwaukee Art Museum, Detroit's Pewabic Pottery, and the UW-Madison's Design Gallery.
Catie DeMets is the Academy’s Environmental Initiatives Program Assistant. Catie contributes an array of experiences in sustainable food systems development and commitment to building equitable and resilient communities—especially in her home state of Wisconsin—to the Academy. Catie has a BA in Geology and Environmental Studies from Lawrence University and an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, where she graduated as a Bertha Morton Fellow in May 2018.
Breeanna Dollak is the Head Gallery Attendant at the James Watrous Gallery. After attending UW-Whitewater, Breeanna has worked with multiple companies to develop effective and efficient work environments for employees. Breeanna’s personal interests include theatre, podcasting, and political nonfiction.
Jane Elder is executive director of the Wisconsin Academy. She brings to the Wisconsin Academy a strong background in public policy leadership, nonprofit management, and involvement in Wisconsin arts. Her career has focused on environmental policy and communications, while personal interests include theater, modern dance and painting.
Tina Ignasiak is the development assistant at the Wisconsin Academy. After graduating from UW-Madison with a BA in Political Science and International Studies in 2017, Tina worked in political fundraising on campaigns in Iowa and Wisconsin, including Senator Tammy Baldwin’s 2018 reelection campaign. She is excited to be making the transition over to the nonprofit field.
Bethany Jurewicz is the director of operations and events at the Wisconsin Academy. With her BA in Art History from Pennsylvania State University, MA in Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London and over ten years of experience in Business Operations and Event Coordination in the for-profit sector, Bethany is excited to transition her career to the nonprofit world.
Alex Paniagua is the editorial assistant for the Wisconsin Academy’s quarterly magazine Wisconsin People & Ideas. He joined the Wisconsin Academy in 2019 after graduating from UW-Milwaukee with his BA in English literature. When he’s not writing, much of his time is spent reading, painting, hiking, or playing guitar.
Matt Rezin is building manager & outreach coordinator for the Wisconsin Academy. After graduating from UW-Madison, he has worked for Madison nonprofit organizations such as Goodman Community Center and Madison Public Library Foundation in a variety of roles from development to youth education program coordination. Matt's personal interests include a healthy appetite for pop culture, Wisconsin sports, and all manner of other niche sports and competition.
Amanda E. Shilling is development director of the Wisconsin Academy. Amanda joined the Wisconsin Academy in 2013, having served as Ten Chimneys Foundation’s development manager since 2001. Prior to Ten Chimneys Foundation, Amanda worked in development and subscription sales at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She holds a BA in arts administration from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.
Jason A. Smith is the associate director of the Wisconsin Academy and editor of the organization's quarterly magazine of Wisconsin thought and culture, Wisconsin People & Ideas. Before joining the Wisconsin Academy in 2008, Jason was the managing editor of The Common Review, the quarterly magazine of the Great Books Foundation, and helped the storied nonprofit to develop materials for adult reading groups.
Nikita Werner is the administrative assistant at the Wisconsin Academy. After graduating from UW-Madison with a BA in Anthropology, Nikita worked in a number of administrative roles including as a department coordinator at the Wisconsin Medical Society. She is currently working toward a MS in Anthropology and Museum Studies from UW-Milwaukee.
Ann Wilson is the Business Manager at the Wisconsin Academy. Along with her degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Ann brings 30 years of business experience from the private sector and as a small business owner. She is excited to expand her career to the nonprofit sector. Ann’s personal interests include live theater, reading and anything outdoors where you can find her biking, hiking or skiing in the winter (yes, she loves Wisconsin winters!).
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Wisconsin Academy Administrative Offices and Steenbock Gallery
1922 University Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53726
Phone: 608.733.6633
James Watrous Gallery of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters
3rd Floor, Overture Center for the Arts
201 State Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608.733.6633 x25
