Our Board Members and Staff
Eda Shannon Board Chair
While not a native of Millville I have been a resident for 27 years, and a full time broker sales associate of Reeves & Melvin Real Estate located in Millville. I have always loved all aspects of the "arts", and when Millville developed the downtown Arts District I was thrilled to become a part of what I think is a very vital part of our community.
While not a native of Millville I have been a resident for 27 years, and a full time broker sales associate of Reeves & Melvin Real Estate located in Millville. I have always loved all aspects of the "arts", and when Millville developed the downtown Arts District I was thrilled to become a part of what I think is a very vital part of our community.
Linda Finch Vice Chair
Patti Atkinson Treasurer
Patti Atkinson has been in the health and fitness field for over 40 years. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology from Temple University in 1985. She has worked in corporate health centers, various health clubs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and has been a personal trainer in health clubs and in clients’ homes. She received a teaching degree from Rowan University in 1990 and has worked in the education field for over 25 years as a teacher, facilitator, and currently as a Literacy Coach at Memorial High School. Her current work at Memorial is focused on literacy coaching, professional development for staff, and mentoring new teachers.
Patti Atkinson has been in the health and fitness field for over 40 years. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology from Temple University in 1985. She has worked in corporate health centers, various health clubs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and has been a personal trainer in health clubs and in clients’ homes. She received a teaching degree from Rowan University in 1990 and has worked in the education field for over 25 years as a teacher, facilitator, and currently as a Literacy Coach at Memorial High School. Her current work at Memorial is focused on literacy coaching, professional development for staff, and mentoring new teachers.
Linda Robinson Trustee
Linda moved to Millville from Philadelphia, Pa., and has been living and working in South Jersey for over 25 years. As an artist primarily working in pastels, oils and watercolor, she loves the South Jersey landscape and colors; there is a painting to paint wherever you look. Linda has shown work in Cumberland county at the RRCA, Gallery 50, Vineland Library and galleries in the surrounding areas. Through classes with Pat Witt, Stan Sperlak and Marie Natale, as well as classes offered at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Fleischer Art Center, Tyler School of Art, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Linda has been inspired to continue her journey as a working artist. Linda has an Art Education degree from Temple University and has previously taught art for 31 years in the Millville Public Schools, and continues to teach art students at the RRCA and other art centers in South Jersey.
Linda moved to Millville from Philadelphia, Pa., and has been living and working in South Jersey for over 25 years. As an artist primarily working in pastels, oils and watercolor, she loves the South Jersey landscape and colors; there is a painting to paint wherever you look. Linda has shown work in Cumberland county at the RRCA, Gallery 50, Vineland Library and galleries in the surrounding areas. Through classes with Pat Witt, Stan Sperlak and Marie Natale, as well as classes offered at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Fleischer Art Center, Tyler School of Art, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Linda has been inspired to continue her journey as a working artist. Linda has an Art Education degree from Temple University and has previously taught art for 31 years in the Millville Public Schools, and continues to teach art students at the RRCA and other art centers in South Jersey.
Marianne Lods, Executive Director Millville Development Corp – Glasstown Arts District
Marianne Lods was hired at the onset of the Arts District’s development in 2000 and has been the executive director since 2004. She is responsible for business development and retention, artistic programming for youth and adults, and marketing and tourism. Lods is a Certified Main Street Manager encouraging participation in the many programs offered by Main Street NJ to the local businesses. She is a promoter of arts and cultural tourism via the NJSCA, Art Pride, CC Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Southern Shore Region DMO. Her work history prior to 2000 includes ownership/partnership in three businesses and as the executive director of the Vineland Chamber of Commerce.
Marianne Lods was hired at the onset of the Arts District’s development in 2000 and has been the executive director since 2004. She is responsible for business development and retention, artistic programming for youth and adults, and marketing and tourism. Lods is a Certified Main Street Manager encouraging participation in the many programs offered by Main Street NJ to the local businesses. She is a promoter of arts and cultural tourism via the NJSCA, Art Pride, CC Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Southern Shore Region DMO. Her work history prior to 2000 includes ownership/partnership in three businesses and as the executive director of the Vineland Chamber of Commerce.
William W. May Trustee
Robert Dragotta Trustee
Sheila Roselle Trustee
Robert Dragotta Trustee
Sheila Roselle Trustee
Staff
Diane Roberts Executive Director
Diane Roberts began her career as art director/owner of Piercell Advertising, Windsor, Ontario Canada, and for 9 years, serviced clients such as Chrysler Canada and Hiram Walkers. After closure of the agency, Diane spent many years as a portrait artist and graphic designer for the New Jersey State Police, Army Airfield Museum, NJ Motorsports Park and others.
Diane brings this creative life experience to her current career as Executive Director of Millville, NJ's Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts. The public art center provides exhibits, art education and community programs for the SJ region. As the Executive Director since 2014, Diane has a strong passion for maintaining and expanding programming to meet the needs of both patrons and artists. As an artist herself, she understands what support is necessary for the working artist to obtain success in the art world.
Darrica Ortiz Art Associate
Diane Roberts began her career as art director/owner of Piercell Advertising, Windsor, Ontario Canada, and for 9 years, serviced clients such as Chrysler Canada and Hiram Walkers. After closure of the agency, Diane spent many years as a portrait artist and graphic designer for the New Jersey State Police, Army Airfield Museum, NJ Motorsports Park and others.
Diane brings this creative life experience to her current career as Executive Director of Millville, NJ's Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts. The public art center provides exhibits, art education and community programs for the SJ region. As the Executive Director since 2014, Diane has a strong passion for maintaining and expanding programming to meet the needs of both patrons and artists. As an artist herself, she understands what support is necessary for the working artist to obtain success in the art world.
Darrica Ortiz Art Associate
