Molly Rowan-Deckart has spent the last 15 years working in the nonprofit arts sector. Driven by a belief that the arts can culturally and economically transform a community, Molly’s focus has been to advocate for and elevate artists and the arts by giving voice to the importance of the arts and culture sector, providing mentorship and resources to artists at all levels, and helping creatives build incredible careers to make their ideas happen. With a degree in Fine Arts from Boise State University, Molly’s background as both a visual artist and as an executive director has given her a unique understanding of both the challenges and rewards that come with fostering a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Molly joins the Alliance for the Arts from Boise, Idaho where she was named one of Idaho Business Review’s Women of the Year in 2020 for her work in the arts. In Boise, Molly founded and served as the executive director for both the Boise Film Foundation and the Idaho Horror Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the state of Idaho. Having grown both organizations from the ground up, Molly is excited to bring her vast knowledge of organizational growth and arts advocacy to the Alliance and the southwest Florida region. She looks forward to collaborating on creative initiatives that will help make life in southwest Florida more meaningful, authentic, and connected while furthering the mission of the Alliance for the Arts to transform lives and improve our community through the arts.
Ehren Gerhard is an arts administrator and educator who calls Southwest Florida home. Although not from the area originally, he has been visiting Fort Myers and Sanibel since he was a child. After moving with family to Fort Myers roughly sixteen years ago, he graduated from Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts. Shortly thereafter, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from Arizona State University. With his background in studio arts, education and administration his passion lies in the power of creating and fostering the creative spirit in others.
Since 2014, he has been an Adjunct Professor of Art at Florida Gulf Coast University, Art Exhibitions Director for the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs and Director of the Bonita Springs National Art Festivals. Gerhard has been an arts educator for over ten years striving to increase appreciation for the arts, deepen our knowledge of their history, and place their meaning into context. He currently lives in Cape Coral, FL with his wife, dog and cat where he maintains an active studio, works on his garden and goes on primitive camping and fishing trips as often as possible.
Jordan is interning at the Alliance for the Arts this fall as she prepares to take the next step in her education, a masters degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management. Jordan is passionate about the arts and how they help create well-rounded students and individuals. She grew up in Fort Myers and graduated from Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts where she danced and discovered her eye for photography. Her passion for dance and photography continued at the University of Florida where she graduated with degrees in Dance and Photojournalism and minors in business administration, entrepreneurship and theatre. Before volunteering at the Alliance for the Arts, Jordan worked for Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and the College of the Arts at the University of Florida.
Born and raised in Southern California, Niki Greer made her way to the Alliance with a background in recreational programming and events. She graduated from FGCU in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Resort and Hospitality Management. Afterwards, she got to know Downtown Fort Myers while completing an internship with ArtFest Fort Myers and decided she wanted to become a permanent SWFL resident and contribute to the growth of the arts community. Her passions include travel, interpersonal communication, and social and cultural outreach and exploration. She believes she has such a fondness for different cultures because she grew up with foreign exchange students, and was fortunate enough to be one herself in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago de Chile. In her free time, she loves to pick a random activity, place, restaurant, or event and go on a new adventure!
Carmen Crussard is the proud co-founder of City Scenes Theater Co., producing shows with the purpose of developing young, raw talent into polished, young professional performers. In her spare time, she teaches Theater and Language Arts in Cape Coral. Her passion for children and the arts drives her to constantly create opportunities for children to shine, while also providing a safe environment where young artists are encouraged to take risks. Carmen also enjoys directing adult theater, with several credits at the Laboratory Theater of Florida. She believes that the arts are the heart of society, with the artists’ roles being to promote harmony, and provoke thought and change when necessary. She is so pleased to be a part of Alliance for the Arts and looks forward to pushing the organization into the future.
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