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Staff

SEMAC employs a small staff which includes an executive director and a grants program manager. Patricia Alcott, who passed away in July 2021, served as executive director of SEMAC from its inception in 1978 until she retired in June 2008. Robin Pearson, who joined SEMAC in 2001, was Executive Director from July 2008 through June 2023.

  • Anastasia Shartin joined SEMAC as Executive Director in June 2023. Prior to this she was visual arts director at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin for 23 years. She may be reached by emailing anastasia@semac.org or by phone at (507) 281-4848.
  • Karen Miller was hired as an administrative assistant in June 2008 and soon added grants management to her duties. Before moving to southeastern Minnesota, Karen worked in higher education administration utilizing her background in political science and office administration. Karen may be reached by emailing karen@semac.org or by phone at (507) 281-4848.
  • Jacqueline VanRavenhorst joined SEMAC as a contract Communications Manager in October 2023. She is an artist, photographer, and designer currently based in Caledonia, Minnesota. She has extensive experience managing communication efforts for small and large businesses and organizations. Jacque can be reached by emailing jacque@semac.org or by phone at (608) 792-6831.

  • Sharon Mansur joined SEMAC as Outreach & Accessibility Manager in November 2025.  She is a multifaceted dance and interdisciplinary artist, educator, and arts administrator originally from Boston and now based in Winona, Minnesota, where she directs The Cedar Tree Project, supporting Arab contemporary art. She has extensive experience working in arts organizations across the US and teaching experience at various universities. To learn more about Sharon, go to What’s New.  Sharon may be reached by emailing sharon@semac.org or by phone at (507) 281-4848.