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Our Board

Chairman

John Powell

John Powell is an engineering design and construction quality leader with over 35 years of AEC experience. At Regeneron, he advances enterprise quality standards, BIM/VDC innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. He holds architecture and liberal arts degrees and brings deep project management and international design experience.

Treasurer

Susan Lowry

Susan Meyer serves as CIFA Treasurer and brings more than 20 years of experience in financial analytics and IT operations. She has led data automation, forecasting, governance, and controls initiatives at MasterCard, Bayer, and Microsoft. She founded Agile Analytics Consulting and advises small businesses and nonprofits.

Founder and Executive Director

Britta Wheeler, Ph.D.

Britta Wheeler, Ph.D., founded CIFA in 2017 and leads curriculum, strategy, operations, and fiscal administration. Her background combines nonprofit leadership, higher education, sociology, art research, and interdisciplinary arts. She has secured and managed public and private grants supporting CIFA’s creative learning programs.

Secretary

Deavours Hall, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.,

Deavours Hall owns Grounded College Guidance in Asheville, N.C. Her education career spans school counseling and teaching from preschool through college. She has interests in creative writing, art in education, and literacy development, and holds degrees from Emory, Sarah Lawrence, and the University of Georgia.

Member at Large

Tamara Don

Tamara Don is a New York-based PR and communications specialist with 20+ years of international experience in marketing, tourism, and media. Through Readily Communications, she supports strategic PR, website audits, CRM management, event promotion, and contact systems, drawing on bilingual training and global campaign experience.

Member at Large

Mary Grieco

Mary Grieco advises clients on brand development, intellectual property, privacy, and compliance. Her work spans trademarks, copyrights, licensing, agreements, social media, and data privacy. A CIPP/E-certified attorney, she counsels businesses across fashion, entertainment, technology, food, and consumer goods with practical, business-focused guidance.

Member at Large

Dawn Marcos

Dawn Marcos is an award-winning creative leader with experience across top agencies, in-house teams, and global brands. Fluent in copywriting and design, she has led campaigns for companies including MetLife, Mercedes-Benz, Reebok, Citi, and Pfizer, and has taught and mentored emerging creative talent.

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