Staff Bios

Jackie J. Szafara, Executive Director

Jackie J. Szafara has been involved with the National Arts Program® since its inception in 1982.  After working directly for the foundation since 2001, Jackie was named the Executive Director in 2009. Jackie brings twenty years of outside experience in the marketing and advertising industry. Her responsibilities include overseeing all venues across the country, speaking on behalf of the NAP, website development and implementation and generally making sure the rules of our exhibits are properly followed. Jackie is also involved in seeking potential new venues to add to the program. Jackie has a BA from The Pennsylvania State University.

Maren C. Reid, Director of Operations

Maren C. Reid graduated with honors from York College of Pennsylvania where she majored in Graphic Design and minored in both Fine Art and Art History. After a successful career in sales/event planning, she rediscovered her passion for the arts and joined the foundation in 2007 as the Assistant to the Chairman. Now, as the Director of Operations, Maren manages day-to-day program and budgetary affairs of the organization. She assists both the Executive Director and President with oversight and management of all foundation operations. Maren also assists the team in providing support to all participants and venues across the nation.

Robyn M. Raskin, Program Coordinator

Robyn graduated from Rowan University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Fine Art; concentration in Photography and Printmaking. From there she pursued a Master’s of Science in Arts Administration from Drexel University where she graduated in 2006. Robyn joined the National Arts Program® as the Program Coordinator in March 2009 after spending three years working for a prominent non-profit arts organization in Princeton, New Jersey. As the Program Coordinator, Robyn serves as the liaison between the National Arts Program® and all their current venue coordinators across the country. She works individually with each NAP Coordinator to make sure that they have everything they need to have a successful and stress-free exhibition. Robyn’s goal is to make the process as easy and enjoyable for our coordinators as she can.

 

"When I saw the call for entries for the 1999 NAP, I decided that I'd like to participate so I contacted a fellow employee to ask her how to mat and frame my photos. I didn't know her very well at that time, but knew she took photographs and had participated in the NAP in the past. She mentored me through my first NAP and because of this exhibit. I have continued to enter the National Arts Program Exhibit each year and have received honorable mentions and some 2nd and 3rd places. In 2009, I won the Intermediate category for the very first time with my first digital photo entry entitled, Shades of Red! If it had not been for the National Arts Program, I would never have exhibited my photographs and shared my talents with the community. Thank you for all you do to keep this program going and growing!"

Nancy Neill, Indoor Recreation Coordinator, Lubbock, TX
 

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