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Team Members

Katie Atwater Hecklinger

Katie Atwater Hecklinger

Chief Executive Officer

Katie Hecklinger joined BlackRock in 2019 as Director of Education after more than 22 years as an educator, consulting teacher, curriculum developer, and Assistant Principal in the Montgomery County Public Schools.

Orietta Estrada

Orietta Estrada

Director of Communications and Marketing

Orietta Estrada (She/Her/Ella) is a marketing and communications professional with a passion for the arts. A lifelong learner and musician, Orietta has settled into her role as the Director of Marketing and Communications at BlackRock Center for the arts.

Laurie Gira

Laurie Gira

Grants Writer

Laurie earned her Juris Doctor from The George Washington University School of Law, and was an associate with the Law Firm of Covington.

Tiffany Jordan

Tiffany Jordan

Director of Development

Bio coming soon!

Chontelle Norris

Chontelle Norris

Events and Markets Manager

Chontelle Norris has been in the Food and Beverage industry for over 25 years. An experienced bartender, she is no stranger to hard work, flexibility, and fast paced environments.

Reva Thompson

Reva Thompson

Education Manager

Reva Thompson received a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from York College of Pennsylvania, and her Master's in music from James Madison University.

Natalie Mansfield

Natalie Mansfield

Patron Services Associate

Sarah Byrons

Sarah Byrons

Director of Patron Services

Sarah (she/her) is a multidisciplinary theatre maker with a background in the creation of new and devised work, as well as extensive training in Shakespearean verse and performance.

Joshua Gamma

Joshua Gamma

Gallery Director

Joshua Gamma is a curator and designer based in Baltimore.

Jordan Hersh

Jordan Hersh

Assistant Technical Director

Hersh (they/them) is a DC based theater-maker, with experience in lighting, stage management, production management, and more.

Elly Makowski

Elly Makowski

Technical Director

Elly Makowski is the Technical Director for BlackRock Center for the arts, where she is responsible for bringing artistic ideas to life through the application of scientific and engineering principles.

Kirk Patton

Kirk Patton

Patron Services Associate

Kirk Patton II is a Patron Services Associate at BlackRock Center for the Arts where he helps support education, events, and performances.

John Wilkins

John Wilkins

Facilities Manager

Bio coming soon!

Kelly Chauncey

Kelly Chauncey

Artistic Director

Kelly Chauncey is a product of The Howard University Children’s Theater & Playmakers Repertory Theater from 1978-1982.

Pamela Garrido

Pamela Garrido

Operational Specialist

A Germantown native, Pamela Garrido has worn many hats at BlackRock but has settled into the Operational Specialist role.

Carol Jones

Carol Jones

Business Manager

Carol Jones handles licensing, insurance, Payroll, Accounts payable and receivable, and HR functions including onboarding, references, and performance evaluations.

Alex McCurry

Alex McCurry

Director of Rentals and Special Events

Bio coming soon!

Michael Sickles

Michael Sickles

Director of Operations and Facilities

Mike received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies with a focus in stage management & directing from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey.

Mila Yochum

Mila Yochum

Chief Operating Officer

Bio coming soon

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