CEO & Executive Director

  • Chuck Benya, EdD, MPP

    Chuck brings more than 25 years of visionary leadership to Artspace Southern Illinois. With advanced degrees in leadership, public policy, and business administration, he has extensive experience working in the arts, education, healthcare, and human services sectors.

    Passionate about building inclusive, creative communities through strategic innovation and collaboration, Chuck leads efforts to expand the regional arts economy, support local artists, and foster cultural programming that reflects the diverse voices of Southern Illinois. He is recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to creating community-centered impact.

    Having led transformative initiatives at organizations such as Literature for All of Us, Heartland Alliance, Howard Brown, Thrive, and CARE USA, Chuck’s work is grounded in a commitment to equity, sustainability, and the power of the arts to drive change.

    Chuck holds an MPP from the University of Michigan, an EMBA from Quantic Tech, and an EdD from Vanderbilt University.

    Chuck is the proud pet dad of the best rescue pup in the world, who is also his most attentive sous chef.

Our People

  • Carolyn Deane

    SENIOR PROGRAMS OFFICER

  • Douglas Tippie

    RETAIL SALES DIRECTOR

  • Kristine Ankney

    CONTRIBUTING & MARKETING CONSULTANT

Board & Council

  • Board President

    Kirk Overstreet, PhD

    Currently serving as President of John A. Logan College, Carterville, IL, Dr. Overstreet has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and workforce development, having held senior leadership roles at institutions including College of DuPage and the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a first-generation college graduate, beginning his academic journey at a community college, he holds a deeply personal understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s students.

    A collaborative leader who has built strategic partnerships across the academic spectrum and with community leaders, Dr. Overstreet has championed student-centered initiatives and innovative approaches to improve student access and completion.

    Passionate about strengthening communities, Dr. Overstreet brings thoughtful leadership to regional and statewide boards, including Artspace Southern Illinois, SI Now, Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board, and the Behavioral Health Workforce Center. He is also a member of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.

    He holds a Ph.D. in Organization Development from Benedictine University, an M.A. in History from Ball State University, and a B.A. in History from North Central College.

  • Board of Directors

    Officers

    Montana, Schafer, Secretary/Interim Treasurer

    Darrell Bryant, Program Committee Chair

    Dr. Marsha G. Ryan, Resource Development Committee Chair

    Members

    Colby Chamness

    Dean Hong Cheng

    Chad Clark

    Gretchen Cudworth

    Mayor Carolin Harvey

    Antonio Martinez

    Tessie Ojewuyi

    Elaine Ramseyer

    Kristina Scott

  • Southern Illinois Artists Council

    Dedicated to empowering regional artists and creatives, the Council provides technical, physical, and professional support to advance their artistic endeavors. We foster a vibrant and inclusive creative community through collaborative opportunities, resource sharing, and advocacy, ensuring that Southern Illinois remains a thriving hub for artistic innovation and cultural expression.