Kathleen Pletcher founded FirstWorks in 2004, transforming the one-night First Night Providence festival into a year-round performing arts and educational organization. With over 25 years experience as an entrepreneur, Kathleen has founded three non-profit arts organizations and formed strategies for organizations across the US. As a presenter, she has developed projects with creative pioneers such as Yo-Yo Ma, Kronos Quartet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, linking performances of new work with community engagement across Rhode Island. As a curator, she has participated in numerous international tours, forging relationships with artists in Taiwan, Indonesia, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Mexico and France.

Marissa Hutton comes to FirstWorks from the Dorset Theatre Festival, in Dorset, VT where she served as Executive Director. She has an extensive career in live event production, having worked with organizations such as, the Park Avenue Armory, Irish Repertory Theatre, Monica Bill Barnes Dance Co., Valencia Production Partners, and Bike New York. She has worked on live network television events for Condé Nast Entertainment, Hulu, Netflix, and CW. Marissa spent four years at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, CT as Special Programs Curator. As an avid dance practitioner, Marissa has taught and performed nationally and internationally. Marissa is also a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician.

Abigail is a graduate of Castleton University where she earned her M.A .in Arts Administration. She received her B.A. from Rhode Island College where she studied both art history and studio art. Through her previous work experiences, within a wide variety of organizations, she has enjoyed sharing her excitement for the arts with others.

Leah Silva is an experienced singer and music educator. Performing throughout New England in both classical and contemporary styles, her voice has lent itself to a variety of independent projects and decorated ensembles like Collegium Ancora, Providence Singers, and the Grammy-recognized Concert Chorus at Rhode Island College, where she earned her Bachelors of Music in Music Education. Her passion for both performance and teaching continues to inform and inspire her to create meaningful learning experiences for learners and communities. Leah also enjoys playing guitar and hiking, and has recently developed a passion for painting and fiber arts.

Meredith brings to FirstWorks over 20 years of experience in brand marketing, public relations and creative project management within the non-profit, higher education, consumer electronics and entertainment industries. Also a visual artist, her collaborative and solo work has been featured at the BCA Mills Gallery, Allston Skirt Gallery, Zeitgeist Gallery, Wheaton College and the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Gallery at Skidmore College, where she received her B.S. in Studio Art. Meredith is also a contributing writer for artscope magazine, (New England’s Culture Magazine), covering the region’s visual arts news since 2008.

Kim serves as Development Associate at FirstWorks, where she has been on the Development team since 2021. Her work includes contributing to successful grant proposals, strengthening donor engagement, and helping to build the development systems that sustain FirstWorks’ year-round programming. Kim is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a B.A. in Anthropology and an alumna of The State Ballet of Rhode Island, where her love of the arts continues as a Board Member and rehearsal assistant.

Vanessa Villon is a bilingual, community-oriented, and data-driven individual. She is an alumna of Rhode Island College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Rhetoric and Writing. During her undergraduate career, she interned for ABC6 News and United Way of Rhode Island. Upon graduation, she worked for Brown University and Rhode Island College. She has worked with Trinity Repertory Company and The Empowerment Factory. She enjoys learning languages, promoting the arts, and volunteering at events. 

VITALO GAGNON, LTD. is a professional management firm specializing in customized accounting and business advisory services. Vitalo Gagnon’s expertise encompasses interim or part time CFO/Controller capabilities, special projects and retained long-term accounting relationships. They have provided accounting and fiscal management services to FirstWorks since 2017.

Mary Gagnon brings over 25 years of experience including accounting, financial planning and analysis, and administrative support functions.  She has a BS in Business Administration with a major in accounting and marketing and an MBA from Bryant University.  She also earned an Information Systems Management certificate from Boston University.