Art Means Business 2025

Tommy has over 30 years of diverse executive experience in sales and marketing, product development, and operations management for Bank of America, Swift Financial (PayPal), Market Street Funders, Aon, Acima, Sila Money, and Global Holdings. Throughout his career, Tommy has successfully introduced new products and services across multiple markets and industries, building scale and distribution. Tommy received his BA in Economics from Bucknell University, where he also played on the Men’s Varsity Lacrosse Team.

Nancy is a creative mastermind and dynamic communications professional. She is CEO of Epic Marketing Consultants Corporation, which she co-founded with her husband, Don, in 2008. Their full-service ad agency is based in Middletown, Delaware, and serves clients nationwide.

As the Executive Director, Neil manages all facets of the statewide nonprofit, developing strategies to advance arts and culture, a role he brings extensive experience to from Rodel where he focused on strategic planning, policy, stakeholder engagement, and program management within public education. His background includes legislative work, public administration research, and education policy leadership, complemented by his degrees in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Delaware. A dedicated arts patron and participant, Neil also contributes to the community through volunteering with local theaters, supporting arts organizations, serving on the Delaware Hispanic Commission, and advising the Delaware Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy board.

Cheryl is a dynamic arts entrepreneur and community leader dedicated to enriching cultural landscapes through accessible, high-quality arts programming. Along with her husband Christopher, Cheryl is the co-owner of the Bridge Art Gallery, co-founder of the Bridge Arts Festival, and publisher of the Bridge Arts Magazine. Cheryl has established herself as an influential figure in the arts community, fostering creativity and connectivity.

With a deep belief in the transformative power of the arts, Cheryl has dedicated her career to reducing barriers to arts engagement. Through year-round exhibitions, events, and publications, Cheryl creates platforms that spotlight regional and national visual artists, bringing vibrant artistic experiences closer to the communities that she serves.

Matt is a local building contractor of 35 years specializing in custom design and build projects in the tri-state area of PA, NJ & DE.

He has also produced two movies, one a documentary and another a feature narrative. Matt is foremost a history buff and supporter of the arts.

Based in Selbyville, DE, Patti Grimes leads the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation (JMFF) with a passion for arts, people and service. As one of the largest arts organizations in Delaware, JMFF serves communities all over Delmarva and beyond, focused intently on their purpose: creating opportunities to elevate the human spirit. She leads the organization in building and sustaining relationships with the communities that JMFF serves while overseeing programming at the Freeman Arts Pavilion, which has had an economic impact of more than $148 million for the local community since our first performing season in 2008. Since inception, the organization has impacted more than 1M people, including almost 250,000 students through the Arts in Education program and has over 250 volunteers.

Patti’s service to others extends far beyond her day-to-day roles as Executive Director. She serves in leadership roles for a number of organizations across the state, including Vice Chair for Delaware Technical Community College and serving on the Board of Leadership Delaware and Southern Delaware Tourism Advisory Board as well as several community organizations in Sussex County.