Jay House, Executive Director

Hallie Driscoll, Program & Operations Coordinator

Co Chair Jenny Foreman

Co Chair Holly McAdams

Vice ChairAlison Wilder

Treasurer Kathy Brooks

Secretary Robin Hayes

Georgia Cassimatis

Sean Burke

James Duffy

Anna McGinnnis

Learn more about joining our board of directors

For finance, fundraising, partnerships, collaborations, or big-picture strategy, book time with Jay.

Jay is a fundraiser, strategist, writer, and dancer with more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit arts sector. She began her career directing programs for independent performing artists in NYC before moving on to work at nationally-focused service organizations where she ran diverse range of programs across national affiliate networks. She has managed multiple re-granting programs, facilitated training and workshops, supported executive leaders in various metro markets, and executed national-level arts conferences. Jay switched into fundraising in 2015 and since then has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to sustain and grow cultural organizations. She was lead fundraiser for Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, based in Queens, NYC, where she was instrumental in growing the organization from $350k to $1.2M in annual revenue from 2018 to 2025. Jay is the co-author of Wicked Work: The Hidden Costs of Doing Good which is forthcoming from Routledge in 2027, and explores the history of the nonprofit sector in the US, the pivotal role it plays in shaping and serving society, and what can be done to stabilize the organizations and people responsible for doing the "good work." Jay is a native New Englander who returned in 2020 to live in Swanzey, NH, where she has been active on the local rail trail committee and the Friends of Public Art committee.

Hallie is an artist and arts professional based in Swanzey, New Hampshire. Her work centers on exhibitions, community engagement, and building connections that support artists and strengthen the cultural life of the Monadnock Region. At Arts Alive, she works across programs, communications, and operations to help expand opportunities for artists, support regional creative initiatives, and connect the community with the arts. Hallie also works with the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, where she contributes to exhibitions, events, and public programming that bring contemporary art to diverse audiences. In 2025 she was honored with an Ewing Arts Award recognizing her contributions to the regional arts community. Alongside her work in the nonprofit arts sector, Hallie maintains an active mixed-media studio practice exploring themes of memory, identity, and storytelling through layered materials such as paint, textiles, embroidery, and natural elements. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Arts Administration at UMass Amherst, with a focus on exhibitions and arts leadership.

For programming, fiscal sponsorship, marketing, events, or anything Arts Alive is actively doing, book time with Hallie.

Jenny Foreman is the Arts Department Chair, Director of Dance and Theater, and Dean of Faculty at Dublin School, and is based in Harrisville. She relocated to the Monadnock Region from New York City and quickly connected with its strong sense of place and creative potential. A former professional modern dancer, Jenny brings a deep commitment to arts education and collaborative creative practice. She is passionate about expanding access to the arts and believes they are fundamental to personal and community growth. Jenny envisions a region

Holly McAdams is an independent grant writer and nonprofit consultant based between Alexandria and Jaffrey. She first came to the Monadnock Region in 2022 for a short stay that quickly turned into a deep connection to the area’s arts, community, and natural beauty. Holly is passionate about expanding access to the arts and supporting the vital role artists play in building vibrant, connected communities. She engages with the arts across disciplines and is especially inspired by the creative process and the people behind it. Holly brings both strategic expertise and genuine enthusiasm to strengthening Arts Alive’s impact in the region.

Alison is a web developer and technology consultant based in Keene. She was introduced to Arts Alive at a state arts convening and was so inspired by its work that she relocated to the Monadnock Region. As a writer, composer, and music producer, Alison is deeply engaged in both creating and supporting the arts. She is passionate about fostering communities where the arts are valued and sees them as a vital way to bring people together. Alison is committed to helping Arts Alive strengthen local connections and build a vibrant, creative ecosystem.

Robin Hayes is a Graphics Manager (Art Director/Project Manager) based in Keene. Originally from the Boston area, she moved to the Monadnock Region in 2004 and quickly became rooted in its creative community. With a lifelong connection to the arts, Robin is passionate about supporting and elevating the role of creativity in the region through her work with Arts Alive. She enjoys making jewelry, photography, and experiencing live music, while embracing all forms of artistic expression. Robin envisions a thriving cultural landscape that continues to grow, making the region a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

Kathy Brooks is a Program Manager at the Putnam Foundation and Office Manager at 1911 Office, LLC, based in Marlborough. A lifelong resident of the Monadnock Region, she has a deep appreciation for the local arts community and its continued growth. Kathy is passionate about the role Arts Alive plays in supporting artists and increasing visibility for creative work across the region. She enjoys attending a wide range of arts events, from live music to hands-on artisan demonstrations. Kathy envisions a more connected and accessible arts scene, where more people can discover and experience the richness of local creativity.

Sean Burke is the President and Publisher of The Keene Sentinel, bringing more than 35 years of experience leading media organizations across the country. He has held senior leadership roles with major companies including GateHouse Media New England, McClatchy Company, and Lee Enterprises, overseeing large multimedia operations and guiding organizational growth and transformation. Sean is actively engaged in both industry and local leadership, serving on the board of the Greater Monadnock Collaborative and as a member of the Keene Elm City Rotary. Based in Walpole, he brings a strong commitment to community connection and regional vitality.

Georgia Cassimatis is the owner of 17Rox Artist Studios and a Program Specialist at the Northern Border Regional Commission, based in Gilsum. She moved to the Monadnock Region in 2009 to attend Keene State College and has been an active part of the local arts community ever since. With a lifelong passion for the arts, Georgia is especially drawn to the behind-the-scenes work that makes creative experiences possible. She enjoys engaging with the arts through travel, photography, collaboration, and live music. Georgia envisions a region where public art, local galleries, and creative energy are woven into everyday life, making the arts accessible and visible in every community.

James Duffy is based in Winchester and has been part of the Monadnock Region community since 1994. He is passionate about the way Arts Alive brings people together through creative expression that both celebrates and challenges shared humanity. James engages with the arts across a wide range of experiences, from galleries and live performances to film and streaming. He believes in the power of the arts as a tool for healing and advancing social equity. James brings a thoughtful, community-centered perspective to supporting a more inclusive and connected cultural landscape.

Anna McGuiness is the Program & Outreach Director at the Reproductive Freedom Fund of New Hampshire and the founder of Keene Mutual Aid, based in Hancock. A longtime resident of the Monadnock Region, Anna brings a strong background in community organizing and education, with previous experience as a middle school teacher. They hold a degree in Political Science from Simmons University and are currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at Harvard University. Anna is deeply committed to supporting local artists and believes that thriving arts communities are essential to healthy, connected communities. Their early experience working in a local gallery continues to inform their advocacy for artists and creative work in the region.