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 recent 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.

Kim is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a B.A. in Anthropology. She is an alumna of The State Ballet of Rhode Island, where she now acts as a volunteer rehearsal assistant and coach. She is excited to join the FirstWorks team and share her passion for fundraising and the arts. 

Rainy has worn many hats, several of which she crocheted herself. She is a former speech-language pathologist, teacher, head roller derby referee and library worker who brings her love of Post-It Notes and detailed lists to her role at FirstWorks. Rainy thrives when called upon to connect people to things that they love (or will love soon!) and to each other. As a musician and avid reader, Rainy spends a lot of her time being either very loud or very quiet. Rainy is a member of the board at RIOT Rhode Island, an organization empowering youth through music.

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.

Simone is a multi-instrumentalist in piano, violin, guitar, and percussion. This is her second year on the FirstWorks Youth Board.

Alison is interested in learning more about the entertainment industry and the intersection of music and culture. In addition to being on FirstWorks’ Youth Board, Alison has a hybrid internship with our organization and the City of Providence’s Department of Arts Culture and Tourism. She is also taking a music class at CCRI and is participating in the Brown University Young Entrepreneurship Program.

Ivana is interested in how art can be a tool for community building and give people a sense of control over their lives. Inspired by her musical family, she quickly learned the saxophone and has since become a conductor of peer musicians. Ivana is also interested in becoming a surgeon.

Seoyon’s creative interests are deep and wide, including writing (poetry and prose), visual art, music (flute and gayageum), and theater. She is currently a Teen Creative Fellow with Providence Public Library, where she has also helped analyze FirstWorks’ historical information as a Data For Good associate. Seoyon is also part of the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio.

Katrina is a dance major and choreographer who won a scholarship and performed her solo piece at Ohio University’s Dance Department Summer Intensive. This is her second year on the FirstWorks Youth Board.