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ABOUT THE STAFF

Peggy Brady, Executive Director (peggy@cocanet.org)

Peggy supervises all daily operations, committees, staff, and finances of COCA. She serves as a representative of cultural affairs for local government, civic leaders, the school system, directors of local arts and cultural organizations, and the general public, and represents COCA at local and state government meetings, civic and community functions, statewide conferences and speaking engagements. Peggy was educated both at Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, and at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Her degree is in education, and for several years she was the Executive Director for the Center for the Arts School of Theatre (C.A.S.T.). She has also worked as a teacher and curriculum designer for the Department of Education, the Leon County Academic Resource Center, and the Federal Project for Gifted Education. In addition to being an educator and administrator, Ms. Brady is also a playwright and director. She has had eight full-length plays produced, has directed numerous shows for local and regional theatres, and is currently the co-writer/director of The Laughing Stock: Florida's Musically Incorrect Political Cabaret.


Randi Goldstein, Associate Director, Project Development (randi@cocanet.org)

Randi oversees programs, publications, and information technology for COCA, as well as providing staff support for the Access Advisory Committee. She is also an adjunct faculty member of the Florida State University School of Theatre, where she teaches courses in arts management. Randi holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Theatre Management, and is the author of Once Upon a Stage: Story-Based Drama with Young Children (Spindle Press, 1998). Prior to her work with COCA, she managed the Union Ticket Office in Tallahassee, and was the Director of Operations for GSD Theatrical Lighting, Sound, and Production Company in New York. In addition, she has been an independent theatrical director, Equity stage manager, grant writer, and website designer.

Clint Riley, Community Relations and Events Coordinator (clint@cocanet.org)

Clint coordinates the Some Enchanted Evenings Program, the First Friday Gallery Hop and Shuttle Programs, as well as COCA Memberships. He also assists the Arts in Public Places Coordinator in the curation, design, and installation of all exhibitions at COCA's two public galleries. In addition, Clint is the editor of the weekly COCA-Notes, which provides local artists and art organizations information about upcoming opportunities and events. A native of Tallahassee, Clint received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University’s School of Communications. He has worked as a professional pastry chef in San Francisco, Chicago, and Tallahassee, and still caters various local events from time to time. He is also a practicing visual artist and sculptor whose works are mainly inspired by such postmodern artists like Cindy Sherman and Pierre et Gilles.

Tony Archer, Marketing Director (tony@cocanet.org)

Tony Archer has been involved with marketing and graphic design for over a decade. He currently oversees the Marketing and Communications for COCA, including the organization’s publications, media, advertising, and promotions plans as well as all their graphic design needs. Tony recently served as the Marketing Manager for the FSU School of Theatre spearheading numerous successful campaigns and supervising a staff of thirteen employees. A 2006 Addy® Award-winner, Tony also teaches marketing and graphic design at the graduate level at Florida State University and serves on numerous boards and committees in Tallahassee. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and a Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University.

Leslie Puckett, Arts in Public Places Director (leslie@cocanet.org)

In addition to curating, designing, and installing all exhibitions at COCA's galleries, Leslie acts as a liaison between COCA and individual artists and visual arts organizations. Leslie holds a Master's degree in Art Education/Studio Art from Florida State University. Until mid-2002 she was the Director of the 621 Art Gallery; prior to that, she was the Director of Education and Volunteer Coordinator at LeMoyne Art Foundation. A practicing artist and calligrapher, Leslie has exhibited in various invitational and juried exhibits in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Canada, New York, Atlanta, Albany, Thomasville, and St. Simons, GA.

Amanda Karioth Thompson, Education Coordinator (amanda@cocanet.org)

Amanda serves as a liaison with schools, public agencies, private organizations, and community groups regarding arts and heritage education programs and events. She also provides staff support for the Youth in Education Committee. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Amanda attended FSU and holds two Bachelor’s Degrees in Studio Art and Art Education, and a Master’s Degree in Art Education. She has worked as an event planner in Tallahassee and is a practicing artist working in glass and ceramics.

Holly Thompson, Operations and Grants Manager (holly@cocanet.org)

Holly manages COCA’s grant programs and provides staff support to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Nominating Committee, and the Cultural Plan's Cultural Support Space Committee. In addition, she oversees bookkeeping, record archival, and computer support for COCA and serves as assistant to the Executive Director. Holly earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Florida State University. She has worked onstage and off with a number of theatre organizations in Tallahassee and Jacksonville as an administrator, board member, performer, director, stage manager and consultant.

Dan Lyons , Administrative Assistant (dan@cocanet.org)

Dan serves as COCA’s administrative assistant, taking care of the day-to-day tasks around the office and providing help to all the staff.  He also assists with the writing and editing for Capital Culture Magazine, where he served as an intern prior to graduating from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature.