2024/2025 Slate of Officers and Directors

 

2024/2025 Marblehead Festival of Arts

Slate of Officers and Directors

 

Executive

President - PENDING

1st VP - Cynda Rohmer - Whales & Cod

2nd VP - James F. Murphy

Treasurer - Emily Promise

Secretary - PENDING

President Emeritus - Jodi-Tatiana Charles

 

Directors

IT Services - Roger Cowles

Arts & Exhibits - Meghan Perlow

Facilities - Bill Smalley

Events - Tracy Lawrence

Volunteers - PENDING

Communications - Joseph Tavano

Fundraising - Chris Buchanan and Shari Sagan McGuirk

 

 

Cynda Rohmer has accumulated a wealth of experience in the field of real estate as an Independent Sales Representative. Currently, she serves in this role at Sagan Harborside Sothebys International Realty, based in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Her tenure with the company spans several years, during which she has consistently demonstrated her dedication and expertise in the real estate market.

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Prior to her association with Sagan Harborside Sothebys International Realty, Cynda Rohmer held the position of Independent Sales Representative at RE/MAX Encore, where she has been serving since August 2018. Her career as an Independent Real Estate Professional at Leading Edge Real Estate dates back to May 2011. In each of these roles, she has exhibited a profound commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of real estate transactions.

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Cynda's journey in the real estate industry began as a Sales Agent at ZipRealty in March 2007. Her tenure at ZipRealty continued until April 2011, where she gained valuable experience and honed her skills in real estate sales.

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Before her career in real estate, Cynda Rohmer held the role of Regional Sales Manager at Lane Bryant, a well-known fashion brand in the Greater Boston Area. Her five-year tenure there allowed her to develop key management and leadership skills.

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Cynda's educational background includes studying Art History at Boston University from 1976 to 1978 and earning an AA in Art History from Fleming College in Florence, Italy, from 1974 to 1976. These educational experiences have contributed to her well-rounded perspective and appreciation for the arts.

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Beyond her professional endeavors, Cynda has been deeply involved in volunteering. She is the Executive Director and Founder of the Reading Education Foundation, where she dedicated 16 years of her life from January 1999 to June 2015. Her role at REF began with a mission to purchase technology for the high school in Reading, Massachusetts, which included funding laptops and smart boards and providing training for teachers. Over time, REF transitioned to funding teacher grants within the Reading Public School system.

 

Cynda served as the Co-chair of the Festival of Cod and Director of Volunteers for the Marblehead Festival of Arts. In this capacity, she has managed the Festival of Cod in 2021 and recruited volunteers for the Festival of Arts in 2021, enhancing the local arts and culture scene. Her involvement in these community activities reflects her commitment to giving back and contributing to the enrichment of her community.

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Emily Promise, now a partner and Co-Owner of Blakely Financial, embarked on her career in corporate asset management on Wall Street. However, her true calling emerged in personal finance, where she discovered her passion for helping individuals build sustainable wealth. Her role at Blakely Financial revolves around creating dynamic financial plans tailored to safeguard her clients' long-term interests and provide them with peace of mind and financial empowerment.

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Blakely Financial operates as an independent financial services firm, offering investment management services and comprehensive financial planning.

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Emily holds a range of professional designations and certifications, including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification awarded by CFP Board, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA®), Charted Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), CFA® Investment Foundations Certifications, and is a registered representative of Commonwealth Financial Network® with FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations.

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She is an active member of the Commonwealth Financial Network's Women's Advisory Council and Advisory Council. Additionally, Emily serves on the Phillips School of Business Advisory Board at High Point University and holds a position as Treasurer and Board Member for SPUR in Marblehead, MA. She is also a Board Member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and serves as President of the Women's Business League in Marblehead, MA.

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Emily earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting from High Point University in North Carolina.

Before her current role at Blakely Financial, Emily gained valuable experience at Goldman Sachs, where she worked as an Investment Management Summer Analyst and an Incoming Investment Management Summer Analyst. She also participated in the Virtual Insight Series program at Goldman Sachs.

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Her earlier experiences include serving as a Summer Intern with Commonwealth Financial Network, where she contributed to the Field Development and Transition team.

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She actively participated in various programs and conferences, including PIMCO Prep, Women's Leadership Camp at Goldman Sachs, Business Leadership Conference organized by Forte Foundation, and the Fast Track to Finance Conference at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. These experiences enriched her knowledge of financial career paths and enhanced her skills in portfolio management.

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Furthermore, she interned at the Massachusetts State Treasury-Office of Economic Empowerment, conducting STEM research, compiling financial literacy data, and performing various office responsibilities.

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Emily's career journey reflects her dedication to personal finance and wealth management, with a focus on empowering individuals to secure their financial futures.

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James F. Murphy is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in both the arts and business sectors. He currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors at the Marblehead Arts Association, where he has been an active board member since 2021 and previously held the role of Treasurer. Additionally, James is a member of the Marblehead Cultural Council and the Marblehead Rev250 Committee, contributing to the town’s cultural and historical initiatives. His leadership experience extends beyond the arts, as he previously served as President of the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce until his retirement in 2020, and held key positions at the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, including President & CEO and President of the Charitable Foundation. Prior to his work in the chamber of commerce, James was the Principal of Senior Living Resources Management Consulting, providing operational and regulatory compliance consulting to the senior living industry. His earlier career included management roles in mental health services, serving as Administrative Director at Deaconess Waltham Hospital and Program Director at North Shore Medical Center. In addition to his professional achievements, James is a talented photographer, having completed numerous courses and workshops, and is a juried member of the Marblehead Arts Association, as well as a member of the Greater Lynn Photographic Association and the Swampscott Arts Association. He holds a Master of Education in Human Services from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the State University at Salem.

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Jodi-Tatiana Charles is the founder and “Brandographer™” of LCG Brands, a unique brand and marketing consulting firm dedicated to educating entrepreneurs, small/medium businesses (SMB/SMEs), and international professionals on the importance of growing their personal and corporate brands.

 

With over 30 years of executive leadership experience in marketing, branding, and communication, Jodi-Tatiana Charles has achieved remarkable successes with renowned organizations. Her impressive career includes roles at high-profile entities such as TechStars, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, MassChallenge Inc., the Massachusetts Governor’s Office, Massachusetts Conference for Women, NBC Universal/Comcast TV, and Clear Channel Communications/iHeart Radio.

 

In addition to her extensive corporate background, Jodi-Tatiana Charles has taken on additional roles as a children's book author. Her first book, titled "It’s Just A Rug," serves as an educational tool, enlightening children about their heritage. Furthermore, she launched her podcast, “Minding Your Business with Jodi-Tatiana,” at the onset of the pandemic. This podcast was created to provide support and insights to entrepreneurs and innovators on a global scale. To date, she has conducted over 200 interviews with professionals from 36 different countries.

 

She earned a BA from Suffolk University in Communications in Journalism with a minor in Sociology, a dual MBA from Babson College – Franklin W. Olin Graduate School of Business in Global Management and Strategic Marketing, and three Executive Education Certificates - Russia in Transition from Saint Petersburg State University, Global Business from Harvard University Business School, and Social Media Strategy: Creating Engagement, Insight, and Action from MIT Sloan.

 

When not absorbed with all things marketing, Charles dedicates her time to children, elderly, arts, and cancer causes, through road races, mentoring and volunteering.

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When not absorbed with all things marketing, Charles dedicates her time to children, elderly, arts, and cancer causes, through road races, mentoring and volunteering.

 

Charles sits on two boards, Marblehead Festival of Arts as President of the Board of Directors and Girl Scouts of Eastern MA as Board Member and chair of Long-Range Property Planning.

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Meghan Perlow, a Director-level design professional, possesses a profound passion for crafting brand identities and enhancing consumer experiences. She currently owns a well-established floral design company in Boston, which boasts a far-reaching presence in high-end venues across the region. Meghan's success is underpinned by her unwavering commitment to cultivating high-quality client relationships, meticulous brand curation, a thoughtful design ethos, and the delivery of distinctive final products. She stands as a dynamic and high-energy leader, adept at efficiently guiding large teams while fostering staff development and success, with an unwavering focus on shared objectives.

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In her capacity as the Founder of Poppy Floral, located in Marblehead, MA, Meghan has tirelessly worked to elevate her business into a renowned destination for New England Event Florals since 2010. Her company handles over 80 weddings and events annually, establishing crucial connections with some of the region's foremost venues. Even in the face of the global pandemic, Meghan demonstrated exceptional adaptability, skillfully navigating, and adjusting her business development and operations to ensure continued revenue growth and enhanced client experience.

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During her tenure as the Director of Interiors at Arrowstreet in Boston, MA, Meghan played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for a new Interiors department within this well-established architecture firm. Her accomplishments included the successful completion of several projects, including the design of the firm's modern office space in Post Office Square, Boston.

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Previously, as an Interior Designer at Populous in Kansas City, MO, Meghan assumed a central role in the complete documentation and interior design of the $350 million renovation of the NFL's Arrowhead Stadium. Her achievements extended to working directly with team ownership to harmonize budget constraints, design preferences, and fan experiences, resulting in remarkable success.

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Furthermore, Meghan served as a Production Designer at Starbucks Coffee Co. in Seattle, WA, where she took on the responsibility of elevating the level of detail and quality in all store design documentation. Her contributions to the company's objectives were highlighted by consistently meeting early deadlines for various design documents, achieved through peer mentoring, team presentations, and site visits.

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Meghan Perlow earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA. Her multifaceted professional background, characterized by her ability to seamlessly blend creativity and strategic thinking, has solidified her position as a leader in the design industry.

 

Joseph Tavano is a seasoned content strategist with a focus on cybersecurity and the IT channel. With over 20 years of experience, he has excelled in channel marketing, content strategy, global programs, account-based marketing, and corporate communications. Currently serving as a Channel Marketing Specialist at WatchGuard Technologies, Joseph drives the global channel marketing strategy for WatchGuardONE, the company’s partner program, and leads key initiatives to support the success of both the channel partners and the financial growth of the company. His expertise includes developing and curating content marketing assets, managing sales promotions, and leading transformative training programs. Previously, Joseph held senior content roles at Continuum Managed Services, where he created and executed content strategies, led corporate communications, and contributed to major company initiatives, including rebranding and product launches. He also founded and served as Editor in Chief of RetroZap, a website and podcast network that has reached millions globally. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Suffolk University and has earned numerous awards for his outstanding contributions throughout his career.

 

Roger Cowles is a highly accomplished senior software engineer with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. He excels in building and leading effective teams, even in remote settings. Roger is known for his ability to troubleshoot complex codebases and deployments, and he has extensive experience with Agile methodologies and tools. Additionally, he has been highly effective as a SCRUM Master for multiple development teams.

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His technical expertise spans a wide range, including proficiency in languages like Java, C++, C, Perl, Linux/Unix shell, and Windows batch scripts. Roger is well-versed in various operating systems, such as Windows XP, Windows 7, Solaris, HPUX, Linux, Red Hat, Centos, and Ubuntu. He is also experienced in technologies like REST, HTTP, SOAP, XML, XSL, Web Services, Junit, Mockit, CORBA/IDL, and threading. Roger is adept at using tools like Git, ClearCase, RCS, Eclipse, Netbeans, make, VersionOne, Integrity, Siebel CaRDS, Wireshark, Fiddler, Windchill, Arbortext Editor, Creo, and Pro/ENGINEER.

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Throughout his career, Roger has achieved numerous accomplishments. As a contractor at Dassault Systemes, he resolved complex issues in C++ for the Solidworks MCAD product. During his time with GPSL, Roger created a Java Proof of Concept for Windchill Workflow customization and upgraded a customer environment to the latest version of Arbortext. He also implemented support for Integrated Windows Authentication (Kerberos and NTLM) in PTC Arbortext using Java and C++.

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Roger has a passion for education and community involvement. He ran a one-week summer camp, "Minecraft Modding with Java," to introduce campers to programming through Minecraft. He served as a mentor at the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, helping students build a computer cluster for rendering computer animations as part of a STEM enrichment program.

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With a diverse and impressive career marked by accomplishments in software engineering, Roger Cowles is a valuable asset in building teams and delivering exceptional products. He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (BEng) from Bristol University, Bristol, England.

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Bill Smalley, who has tirelessly dedicated many years of leadership and contribution to our Marblehead Festival of Arts nonprofit.

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Chris Buchanan is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Kingfish Technologies Inc, a software company focused on transforming the energy industry by providing modern online payment solutions.

Chris has always been a problem solver, obsessively interested in how things work and how to make them better. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Environmental Management in 2002, he spent the next 10 years crisscrossing the country. Whether living and studying ground birds in Maine, driving commercial boats in Newport, RI, delivering packages for UPS on a bike in the winter, working as a carpenter, realestate agent, or cooking for resort guests at a remote Alaskan lodge, Chris's experiences have helped shape his attitude when approaching problems.

He went on to build a successful vintage photography business, help several renewable energy companies scale dramatically, and founded two successful software businesses. He has raised millions from private capital markets, used technology to disrupt antiquated spaces, and built brands in areas where none had previously existed. Adiverse background in research, marketing, operations, and technology allows him to "talk the talk" across a multitude of industries and connect with the people who can make a solution happen.

Chris was born and raised in Marblehead and moved back in 2010 to get married and start a family. When not brainstorming or scheming new business ideas, he can be found spending as much time as possible with his two children and wife.

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Shari Sagan McGuirk is a highly accomplished professional known for her dynamic and capable approach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric from Bates College, forming a strong educational foundation.

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At the forefront of her career is her role as a Partner of Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty. Here, Shari excels as a top-producing Realtor and is a key member of the senior management team at Sagan Realtors. Her real estate expertise is remarkable, marked by over $20 million in sales in a single year. Shari consistently ranks among the top producers in her company. She also actively contributes to her organization's marketing and public relations efforts, while being deeply involved in recruitment and training.

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Shari's leadership abilities extend beyond her professional life. She is a certified kickboxing instructor, managing classes at two local gyms with a participant count exceeding 65 individuals. In addition, she serves as a Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees for North Shore Community College and holds a position on the Board of Directors for St. Mary’s School in Lynn, MA. Her prior roles include serving as a Member of the Board of Directors for Temple Emanu el in Marblehead, MA, and as a Member of the North Shore Campaign Strategic Committee for Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

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Before her current role, Shari served as the Campaign Director at the Jewish Federation of the North Shore, where she developed strategies and worked closely with volunteers to raise substantial funds for annual campaigns. Her career also encompasses the position of Women’s Campaign Director at the same organization. In this role, Shari developed strategies, organized events, and collaborated with volunteers to secure significant contributions for women’s annual campaigns.

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Shari initiated her professional journey as the Young Leadership and Marketing Director at the Jewish Federation of the North Shore. Here, she was responsible for volunteer and donor recruitment and engagement, contributing to the growth of annual campaigns. She also played a pivotal role in creating and implementing marketing strategies to support fundraising efforts.

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With a rich and varied career marked by success in management, sales, communication, and leadership, Shari Sagan McGuirk is a prominent figure in her field.

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Tracy Lawrence is a seasoned manager, strategist, and communications expert with a deep understanding of public policy, project management, and external relations. With a proven ability to analyze complex issues, she develops and executes effective communications strategies across a variety of platforms. Her expertise spans government relations, marketing, public outreach, and crisis management. Tracy’s extensive knowledge of social media, web content development, grant writing, and GIS systems enhances her ability to craft impactful messages and manage stakeholder engagement.

 

In her role as Development Chair for Sail Salem, she leads marketing, fundraising, and grant writing efforts for a nonprofit that fosters life skills and environmental awareness through youth sailing programs. Tracy also serves as a Senior Marketing and Public Relations Advisor, specializing in crisis communications, reputation management, and strategic PR for confidential clients.

 

Her previous roles include serving as a communications and marketing specialist for the historic Corinthian Yacht Club in Marblehead, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships at the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Vice President for Communications at MassDevelopment Finance Agency. Tracy has managed high-profile public projects, including the redevelopment of Spectacle Island and the Storrow Drive Tunnel in Boston, and led communications for major real estate and federal military initiatives.

A graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in International Studies, she brings a wealth of experience in communications, public affairs, and community relations to every project she undertakes.