united states urban arts federation

The United States Urban Arts Federation (USUAF) is an alliance of the chief executives of arts agencies in the nation's 60 largest cities. USUAF meets twice annually to discuss the social, educational, and economic impact of the arts in their regions. The next USUAF meeting is Thursday, January 22, 2009, in Charlotte, NC. Please note that USUAF meeting attendance is limited to the chief executives of member cities and invited guests. Questions about USUAF may be directed to the Community Development Manager. 

USUAF members elect an executive committee annually. The 2008–2009 Executive Committee includes:

Michael Killoren, President
Michael Killoren is the director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs for the City of Seattle. The office manages Seattle’s Public Art program and a portfolio of more than 200 "Civic Partners," which includes artists and arts and cultural organizations of all shapes and sizes. The agency increases the visibility of arts and culture through a variety of programs, initiatives, and partnerships, including the Mayor’s Arts Awards and through its work with a 16-member citizen volunteer Seattle Arts Commission.

Bryan Knicely, Vice President
Bryan Knicely joined the Greater Columbus Arts Council as president in December 2006. Most recently, Knicely served as the assistant director and accessibility coordinator for the Maine Arts Commission. He currently serves as a board member for both the Ohio Citizens for the Arts and the Columbus AIDS Task Force.

Mary Becht, Secretary
Mary Becht is the director of the Broward Cultural Division. It is one of the nation’s largest public arts agencies with a staff of 31 and budget of $21 million dollars, serving a constituency of 450 nonprofit cultural organizations, 10,000 artists, and a community of 1.8 million residents.

John D'Angelo, At-Large Member
John D'Angelo has been Director of the Arts and Cultural Division for the City of Wichita for 30 years. He is responsible for developing and implementing the cultural plan and directing cultural tourism initiatives. He developed and implemented Wichita's public art plan, serves as liaison to museums and attractions, and provides oversight and management to large public/private partnerships and special projects in the arts.

Victoria Hamilton, At-Large Member
Victoria Hamilton has been the executive director of the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture since its inception in 1988. Ms. Hamilton administers the city's $8 million arts and culture program, including the design and development of the arts and culture organizational support program, neighborhood arts and festivals programs, public art in public and private development, and technical assistance and services to artists and arts organizations.

Vincent Kitch, At-Large Member
Vincent Kitch is the Cultural Arts Program Manager for the City of Austin, TX. He is responsible for providing leadership and management for the city's cultural arts programs and for the development of arts and cultural industries as an economic development strategy for the city.