Meet the Team
Ryan Hardesty
509-335-9454 | ryan.hardesty@wsu.edu
Ryan Hardesty is the executive director for the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Washington State University. He originally joined the museum’s team in 2014 as curator of art and exhibitions and has since organized a range of exhibition projects including Jim Dine: A Life in Printmaking, and more recently, Marie Watt: Companion Species (Underbelly), Jeffry Mitchell: Death of Buddha, and Persona: Portraiture from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer for the Olson Kundig designed museum facility’s ambitious 2018 slate of inaugural exhibitions. Prior to coming to WSU, Hardesty held a twelve-year tenure at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC), Spokane where he planned for 80+ exhibitions. Additional museum experience includes work with the Institute of Contemporary Art (Boston, MA), Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) and Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University (Cambridge, MA). Hardesty holds fine art degrees from the University of Washington and Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He resides in Pullman with his wife and daughter, and maintains an ongoing interest in wandering cities and wild places alike.
Karey Strong
509-335-6140 | taylork@wsu.edu
Karey Strong is the Deputy Director of Finance and Administration for the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Washington State University. She has been part of the WSU family for 24-years working in both small and large units within the WSU community. She has enjoyed working with a diverse population internally and externally, and working as a part of a dynamic team is her true passion. In the past, she has specialized in managing administrative operations including strategic financial planning, project management, systems analysis and developing and implementing processes and procedures. Karey served the Human Development department for sixteen years managing budget and financial short- and long-term funding for the department for Teaching, Research and Extension, Graduate Study, M.A. and Ph.D. programs. She enjoys spending time with her family and hilarious dog, as well as gardening and decorating.
Debby Stinson
509-335-6282 | debby_stinson@wsu.edu
Debby Stinson joined the museum as a freelance designer in 2005, then became the marketing and public relations manager in 2010. Presently she oversees all aspects of communication, graphic design, web design, advertising, media, and social media marketing. Her career began as an artist and graphic designer, with clients including: Starbucks, Barbie, Hooked on Phonics, Eddie Bauer, and Sun Health. Stinson graduated in 1985 from the Art Institute of Seattle. Her design work has garnered two bronze, two silver and a gold award over the years. In 2009, she was named a Bill Phillips Transformation Champion, has recently served two terms as president of the Colfax Arts Council, and lives in Wenatchee with her husband and daughter, where she enjoys art, meditation, cycling, and the natural world.
Ann Saberi
509-432-3335 | amsaberi@wsu.edu
Ann Saberi has been a member of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art team since 2012, and currently serves as Collection Manager. She holds a BA and BFA from Washington State University, and an MA from New York University. At the museum, Ann enjoys working with the permanent collection and helping to install new exhibits, among other things. Born and raised on the Palouse, she loves cooking with her four children, riding her bike, and gardening.
Kristin Becker
509-335-2079| kristin.carlson@wsu.edu
Kristin Becker has been the Curator of Education & Programs at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU since April 2022, and served before that as the museum’s Education Coordinator for 1.5 years. Kristin also taught in WSU’s Digital Technology and Culture program from 2010-2021, where she was passionate about using the museum’s exhibitions and collections in her teaching every semester: Now she is eager to help other faculty, students, and community members see the educational potential of the museum. In her museum role, Kristin continues to teach occasional museum-centered courses for the Honors College and the Department of Art. Kristin’s teaching is informed by her training in printmaking, photography, and graphic design. She holds an MFA from Indiana University and a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design. Her work has been exhibited at galleries throughout the United States as well as at the International Print Center New York. Her most recent creative challenge is raising two small children, which she attempts with her wonderful husband in Moscow, ID.
Kira MacPherson
509-335-4748 | kira.walters@wsu.edu
Kira MacPherson joined the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art team in 2022. She loves museums because they present opportunities for learning more about the world, discovering new ideas, and bringing communities together. She holds a BA from Washington State University, and an MA in Museology from University of Washington. Outside of the museum, Kira enjoys restoring vintage furniture, reading, and traveling to new places and small towns.
Visitor Ambassadors & Student Employees
Shalla Newman
Expected Graduation: 2024
Shalla Newman has been a student ambassador at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art since Fall 2022, and is from Spokane, Washington. Shalla also supports the museum as a marketing and videography intern for the 2023/2024 school year. On top of school and all, they also work at the Daily Evergreen as a digital illustrator. Shalla expects to graduate Summer 2024 from WSU and would like to find a job after college that supports the community using their creative skills, and of course spreads their love for art with others.
Rachel Svinth
Graduation: 2024
Rachel Svinth is a Museum Ambassador and passionate artist. Her favorite work includes Folk Art, Marie Watt, and Gaylen Hansen. When she’s not sharing her excitement about art at the museum, you can find her sewing and collecting.
Mary Chaffee
Graduation: Spring 2024
What I love about the Museum: I enjoy that the museum provides a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors and employees. As an artist, I enjoy working around all kinds of artwork and finding inspiration from multitudes of different artists.
Brenda Castro
Expected Graduation: 2024
Brenda enjoys working at JSMA , for their thoughtful curation of art, the detail that goes into curating a show and events for the public, as well as working with an incredible team. On her free time you can find her spending time with her family, painting or trying out a new recipe.
Natalie Moffett
What I love about the Museum: Seeing people explore new ideas and helping them experience the museum and their community is what I love about working here.
Parker Stovern
Expected Graduation: 2026
What I love about the museum: I love the calm atmosphere and all of the passion and creativity that goes into all of the artwork.
Avien Martinez
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
What I love about the Museum: I love that museums give voice to different cultures and art styles.
Ursula Delgado
Expected Graduation: 2026
What I love about the Museum: The museum provides a space for the community to enjoy and reflect on some amazing artwork. There’s not a day I’m in the galleries that I don’t spot a new detail. It truly is an amazing place.
Meet the Advisory Council
Deb Dzuck
Why did you choose to be involved with the JSMA?
Soon after I moved to Pullman in 1995, I was invited to serve on an events committee for the museum. Over the years, I was a member of the Friends Board and collaborated on various projects involving the JSMA. It is easy to say YES when the JSMA team asks!
Profession or Past Profession
I retired in 2018, concluding a 31-year career in University Advancement. During my 23 years at WSU, I represented the WSU Foundation, the College of Liberal Arts, and University-Wide Undergraduate Programs, including the Honors College.
Why is art important to you?
Art stimulates the imagination. It evokes beauty and emotion. Art tells stories that encourage conversations. My appreciation for art—especially regional art—is enhanced as I meet an artist, learn about them, and understand their inspirations.
Marcia Garrett (Proud WSU Alum)
The museum fills an important role in the life of the university, the town, and the region. I wanted to be part of its efforts to enrich the quality of life on the Palouse and beyond.
Profession or Past Profession
I retired from the university in 2022, after working out of its Seattle office for over two decades, most recently as the Director of Regional Relations. Prior to that I worked in the private sector, government, and politics.
Why is art important to you?
I gravitate to art in all its forms because it intrigues me, it invigorates me, and it makes me happy!
Jennifer Harbour
As a community member and educator, I believe strongly in the museum’s mission to be a center of inspiration, learning and engagement for all.
Profession or Past Profession
I have recently served as a K-5 Art/STEM specialist for Pullman Public Schools. I’m now enrolled in the Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education doctoral program here at WSU to continue my growth and understanding as an art advocate.
Why is art important to you?
I have always been inspired by art’s ability to help humanity understand and communicate. As an educator, I believe in its transformative power to connect, teach, and heal.
Greg Bell (Alum of ’78)
When I was working on my MFA at WSU, I took my first Museum Studies course, which revealed (partially) the marvels and mysteries of how museums work. I credit that class as the introduction to my long and checkered career in collecting institutions.
Profession or Past Profession
From being the kid that could draw cartoons in middle school, to doing fashion display work for Nordstrom, teaching studio art at universities, being a gallery director, overseeing a sprawling county public art collection and being chief curator of one of the most stellar art collections in the world, I have been knee deep in it.
Why is art important to you?
Art defines culture.
Joyce M. Cameron
Ryan Hardesty and I worked together at Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture in the early 2000’s. Ryan Hardesty and Michael Holloman reached out to me to see if I had an interest in getting involved on the JSMA Advisory Council. My husband, Jim Carollo, and I stop at the museum almost every time we go to Lewiston. It is such a wonderful museum with such an eclectic variety of exhibitions.
Profession or Past Profession
I am the recently retired Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Providence Healthcare Foundation for 15 years. Prior to that I was the Director of Development and Marketing and the Foundation Executive Director for the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. I have been involved in philanthropy, public relations and marketing in the Inland Northwest for over 40 years.
Why is art important to you?
I know that children that are exposed to art at an early age actually have a better quality of life. Art is so important in my life and our house is filled with some wonderful art from a variety of mediums.
Jeanne Weiler (Alum ’18)
I had the privilege to be able to work at the JSMA and with it’s amazing team of professionals shortly after moving to Pullman. It has been a pleasure to get to remain involved with and committed to our beautiful museum.
Profession or Past Profession
Serve in the Office of the President at WSU focused on system-wide presidential initiatives.
Why is art important to you?
Art connects us all through expression and emotion. Art is a reflection of its creator, and allows the viewer to reflect through their own perspective. Art is present in every experience. Art provides a view to our past and art provides a vision to our future.
Nancy Spitzer
I have had a life-long love of art. I have been a Museum of Art supporter since some time in the 70s. I was a member of the original Friends of Art Museum Board where I met and became good friends with the then Museum Director, Patricia Watkinson. So it’s been particularly enjoyable to serve on the Advisory Council with Patricia an now to have the opportunity to get to know Ryan, Karey, Ann, Kristin and Kira and the other Advisory Council members.
Profession or Past Profession
I worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Director & Associate Director of Libraries and the Development Coordinator. I also did some freelance graphic design.
Why is art important to you?
I think it’s fascinating and exciting to see what other people create. It’s all about individuality, creativity, intellect, and passion. Artists tell us about themselves through their art. There is something very satisfying when you get caught up and engage in an exhibition.
David Hoyt (Alum of ’84)
I have past experience as an art educator, having taught in the Department of Art at WSU, and also believe in supporting non-profit efforts. The museum combines both of these pursuits and more importantly provides outreach and learning on campus and to the general public. Additionally, I have history with the JSMA dating back to the late 1980s so I have witnessed the museum grow, impact the wider community, and find success over many decades. It is as important now as ever to support the liberal arts and humanities as all too often they seem to be the first area cut when budgets are tight.
Profession or Past Profession
At WSU I served in various capacities as a graphic designer, illustrator, web designer, and art director, and also own a freelance graphic design business. After retiring three years ago, I began concentrating on creating my own artwork, focusing on nature subjects (animals, insects, local landmarks), as well as railroad and industrial themes. Nature and a love for the outdoors informs much of my current work.
Why is art important to you?
I can’t imagine a life without Art. Not only has my career and life been centered around it, but I’ve seen the impact of creative pursuits in those around me—there are simply too many benefits to try to list. I don’t believe we are a literate, fully functioning society without art, and it is a space where we can all share commonality. For me, art is the blending of creativity and critical thinking—with a touch of spirituality. Art is inherent to being alive.
Jon Follett (Alum of ’10, ’11)
My education at WSU prepared me for my career, and I want to give back to enrich the lives of other students.
Profession or Past Profession
I am the President of Walla Walla Foundry. We have 110 employees and build art for contemporary artists all over the world. I routinely work with artists and help them realize their work.
Why is art important to you?
Art is important to me because it encourages us to think about things differently. It is too easy to become complacent and art has the ability to challenge our understanding of our world.
Ginger Ewing
