PEOPLE
PEOPLE
RPAA’s vision is to be a catalyst for creative and vibrant arts throughout the Richmond region.
Administration
Abbi Haggerty - Executive Director
OFFICE: 804.592.3372 She/Her
Abbi guides the strategic direction of RPAA in partnership with the amazing staff and dedicated board! She ensures the financial health of the organization, oversees good governance practices, and implements mission-aligned programming that make RPAA’s work possible.
Abbi has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has degrees from Virginia Tech (B.A.) and VCU (M.P.A. and Ph.D). She also teaches as an adjunct at University of Richmond.
Outside of work, she spends time with her family on the soccer field, at the pool, or exploring local festivals, sporting events, restaurants, and other fun Richmond activities!
Development
Sara Greene - Director of Development
OFFICE: 804.592.3378 She/Her
While Sara has held several titles since joining RPAA in 2013, her current role as Director of Development includes oversight of RPAA’s fundraising strategy and Development Team. The Team works collaboratively to meet contributed revenue goals to sustain the work of RPAA through the Annual Fund, grants, sponsorships, special events, and more. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Mary Washington and has served the non-profit sector for 20+ years. When not working, Sara loves to walk around the city with her dog Leon, patron Richmond restaurants, read, visit wineries, take in a performance, and travel.
Ivy Bell - Development Assistant & Board Liaison
OFFICE: 804.592.3375 She/Her
Ivy graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in Creative and Strategic Advertising. She began her career interning with nonprofits and communications agencies throughout the Richmond area before shifting her focus from advertising and public relations to nonprofit development. Ivy collaborates closely with the development team to support fundraising goals and help plan engaging events. With a strong creative background as a self-published author, she enjoys reading and writing poetry in her free time.
Education & Community Engagement
Hillary Kay - Education Manager & Greater Richmond Wolf Trap Affiliate Manager
OFFICE: 804.592.3381 She/Her
Hillary is the Education Programs Manager at Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, the Affiliate Manager of the Greater Richmond Wolf Trap program, and trained as a Greater Richmond Wolf Trap teaching artist. She holds a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from Millikin University and a Master’s in Musicology from West Virginia University. In addition to her classical training, Hillary has performed professionally in folk and bluegrass genres. Her love of the local Richmond music and arts scene drives her work in developing and supporting impactful performing arts programs for the community!
Brianna Allen - Education Coordinator
OFFICE: 804. 592. 3379 She/Her
Brianna is a local theatre educator, actor, director, and stage manager with a deep passion for sustainable, equitable access to the arts in both professional and personal life. Now the Education Assistant at RPAA she is a teaching artist for Greater Richmond WolfTrap and Baby Artsplay!™ and manages the Genworth BrightLights Education Center. Outside of her work at RPAA she continues to work with local youth theatre programs. She has a BA in Theatre from Virginia Wesleyan University and currently lives in Petersburg.
John Reinhold - Digital Arts Manager
OFFICE: 804.592.3392 He/Him
John is a media professional, cultural connector, and creative voice in Richmond’s arts and music scene. With more than 20 years at RVA Magazine, he has helped spotlight the people, places, artists, and stories that have shaped the Richmond community.
John has contributed to numerous creative projects across the city, including The Richmond Mural Project, and brings experience in collaborative stage and film work. At Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, he shares his technical expertise and passion for the arts while mentoring younger generations and strengthening connections between artists, organizations, and the broader community. Outside of his professional work, John is a longtime DJ and event producer who champions inclusive, immersive cultural experiences throughout the region.
Finance
Amy Messer - Director of Finance & Administration
OFFICE: 804.592.3371 She/Her
Amy is responsible for financial reporting and forecasting, financial strategy, accounting research, human resources, managing books and financial records, and preparing the annual audit and tax return.
Amy has worked in nonprofit finance for over 14 years. She has a B.A. in Accounting from VCU and is a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP).
Outside of work, she spends time with her family either at the pool, beach, TopGolf, parks, or simply her backyard, attends sporting events (big Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Braves fans), tries new restaurants and wineries, and blasts country music in her car!
Marketing & Programming
Kat Rumbley - Director of Marketing
OFFICE: 804.592.3375 She/Her
Kat is the Director of Marketing for Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, where she leads strategic communications and audience engagement in support of the organization’s mission to advance the performing arts across the Richmond region. Her work centers on elevating programs and resources that support today’s artists, nurture emerging talent, and create spaces where the arts can thrive.
Kat brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit marketing, media, and storytelling, including leadership roles at cultural and educational institutions and on-air work in broadcast media. Across her career, she has focused on inspiring connection—whether through nature, science, or the arts—by blending creativity with strategy and amplifying community voices. She is passionate about the power of the arts to help people feel seen, supported, and connected. Outside of work, Kat enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her dog, Luna, visiting U.S. National Parks (about 70% and counting), thrifting, and catching live music whenever she can.
Jacqueline O'Connor - Programming Coordinator
OFFICE: 804.592.3370 She/Her
Since 2018, I’ve had the honor to produce RPAA’s Legends on Grace series – showcasing Virginia’s legends! Originally from New York, I moved to RVA in 1988 and have worked in the Richmond area as a producer, actress, business administrator, director, stage manager. I am a founding member of Henley Street Theatre and served for ten years as Managing Director of both Henley Street Theatre and Quill Theatre (now Richmond Shakes). I was also the recipient of Style Weekly’s 2014 Women in the Arts Award. I love the arts and feel blessed to be a part of the RVA community.
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance Board of Directors
Chair
J.R. Smith
Hunton
Immediate Past Chair
Tom Topinka
Topinka Executive Communications, LLC
Vice Chair
Ann Vanichkachorn
St. Christopher’s School
Treasurer
Chrissie Carrera
Bank of America
Secretary
Beth Shivak
Atlantic Union Bank
Chair Emeritus
James E. Ukrop
Vice Chair Emeritus
J. Robert Mooney
Sarah Abubaker
Collegiate School
Christie-Jo Adams*
Richmond Public Schools
John “Jack” Berry Jr.
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Madeline Culbreth*
Dynex Capital, Inc.
Julia A. Flenner
Wells Fargo
Anthony Fung
Amplitude9
Scott Garka*
CultureWorks
Danielle Gilbert
ChildSavers
C.T. Hill*
SunTrust Bank (retired)
Michael Hinchcliffe
Altria
Lacey Huszcza*
Richmond Symphony
Tatyana Manelis
Atlantic Union Bank
Chris Moseley*
Henrico County Public Schools
Toni Ness
Genworth
John O’Malley
Williams Mullen
Joseph “JP” Paperman
Capital One
Amanda K. Prestage
Dominion Energy
Lisa Sims*
Venture Richmond
*ex-officio
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance Associates Board
Chair
Madeline Culbreth
Dynex Capital, Inc.
Vice Chair
Keller Bellotti
Collegiate School
Silent Auction Co-Chair
Ashley Byrne Smith
Troutman Pepper Locke
Silent Auction Co-Chair
Nathaniel Shepherd
Virginia Court of Appeals
Silent Auction Co-Chair
Lindsey Whitlow, Esq.
ThompsonMcMullan, P.C.
Jordan Barger
JLL
Rasheeda Chambers
Atlantic Union Bank
Catrina Crowe
Truist
Emilie Forest
Kinsale Insurance
Margaret Hodges
Blue Ridge Bank
Dixon Muller
West Cary Group
Timmy Siverd
Richmond City Council
Liz Watson
Altria
ASM Global
ASM Global
Facility operations services are provided by ASM Global. For rental inquiries and booking call (804) 592-3339
English