Center for Arts-Inspired Learning Appoints Sheffia Dooley as CEO and President

Dooley succeeds Marsha Dobrzynski after a celebrated 27-year tenure leading the organization

CLEVELAND, Ohio (June 4, 2021) - The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL) announced today that Sheffia Dooley has been appointed the new CEO and President of the organization. An experienced arts administrator and leader, Dooley succeeds Marsha Dobrzynski whose retirement on June 30, 2021 comes after a celebrated 27-year tenure leading the organization. Dooley will assume responsibilities on July 1, 2021.

"We are fortunate to have someone of Sheffia's caliber and experience step up to be the next CEO and President of CAL," said Board Chair Jeanne Shatten. "I am honored and thrilled to welcome her to the CAL community."

Dooley is an arts administrator, arts educator, actress and director serving northeast Ohio for over 20 years. Her career history includes Playhouse Square, Cleveland Play House, Karamu House, Cleveland Public Theatre, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

"I have had the privilege of an extraordinary tenure for the last 27 years," said Dobrzynski. "The organization is flourishing, and there are so many more opportunities ahead. I know Sheffia will take CAL to new heights in arts education for northeast Ohio youth."

"Marsha has done an amazing job setting such a high bar for arts education in Cleveland," said Dooley. "I am honored to work with the CAL family to continue to provide exceptional arts education to the students, educators, and families of northeast Ohio."

While at Playhouse Square, Dooley cultivated creativity, innovation, and inclusivity by launching and directing flagship programs such as Disney Musicals in Schools, the Dazzle Awards, and the Social Justice Series. She led the department in Community Engagement and Workshop programming for Playhouse Square's International Children's Theatre Festival (now Family Theatre Day), the University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital Children's Theatre Series, and the PNC Grow Up Great program. Dooley worked closely with national affiliate partners The Broadway League and the Disney Theatrical Group presenting on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and best practices.

"Sheffia will move CAL forward," said Shatten, "with her energy and drive, enthusiasm for the arts, collaborative leadership style, practical experience, and most of all, her deep commitment to the children and families that we serve."

Dooley is currently working towards a Master's in Business Administration degree from Baldwin Wallace University with an expected completion date of 2022. She achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the Conservatory at Baldwin Wallace University. Dooley is a proud member of the Actors' Equity Association and a 2019-2020 recipient of the Cleveland Public Theater Premiere Artist Fellowship.

"I believe art is alive inside each of us and it must be nurtured, celebrated, and sometimes protected," said Dooley. "Artists, of all ages, of all experiences, deserve a safe space to tap into what excites and inspires them. Instilling the importance and value of artistic development and expression within homes, schools, and other places of learning is an incredible mission because we see how lives change as a result. CAL focuses on this work and ensures that there are quality options and opportunities for schools and students. I am thrilled to be a part of such an organization!"

Sheffia Dooley (above)

(Photo by: Jen Hearn)

About the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning

Currently in its 68th year with the mission to ignite student learning, creativity, and success through the arts, CAL, an affiliate of the Young Audiences Arts for Learning Network, uses the arts as an imaginative and engaging vehicle for promoting a deeper understanding of academic subjects, advancing social-emotional learning, and building students' 21st century skillsets. Offering thousands of customizable programs across disciplines including visual arts, digital arts, literary arts, theater, music and dance, CAL's programming is delivered in-person and virtually. Among those programs are:

• In-school: Short-term workshops integrating arts into a standards-based curriculum
• Residencies: Extended-term workshops focusing on students' physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development
• Afterschool: Arts programming providing students extended day learning
• ArtWorks: Arts and technology college and career readiness program building youth apprentices' 21st century skillsets
• Play It Forward! ® Cleveland: Free lessons and musical instruments for students
• Summer Arts Programs: In 2021, students engage in summer arts-inspired learning programs provided by the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning in partnership with community organizations and schools including the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, University Hospitals and University Circle Inc., among others.

In fiscal year 2020, CAL delivered 5,662 programs at 190 venues reaching 111,281 students including 405 virtual programs after schools shut down in March.