The Festival Team
Robert Neal Marshall
Executive Director
Robert Neal Marshall Profile
Robert Neal Marshall graduated from New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in film. Early projects took him to Berlin, Germany for Regina Ziegler Productions, with multiple Industrials for Chicago based Jack Lieb Productions. In the mid 1980’s Marshall had a rare opportunity in London’s West End as Assistant to Theatrical Producer Richard Armitage on several hit shows, including ME AND MY GIRL with Robert Lindsay and Emma Thompson.
As an Independent Producer, Marshall has mounted stage productions in the West End at the Donmar Warehouse, at the famed Edinburgh Festival, and back in the US. Several of his documentary films include the biographical MR OCEAN LINER which premiered on board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and screened at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center at Lincoln Center. His more recent doc, BACK FROM THE LIGHT, on the aftereffects of surviving a near death experience, has received critical acclaim and is the topic of several inspirational talks.
As Casting Associate with Pat Moran, CSA (HAIRSPRAY, THE WIRE) Marshall was a member of the team to win an Emmy® award for casting GAME CHANGE and an Emmy® nomination for casting season one of the comedy VEEP, both for HBO.
Marshall worked on independent feature films and shorts as Production Manager and Line producer. As a SAG-AFTRA, Equity actor Marshall enjoyed professional gigs in-between that included Off-Broadway & Regional stage, film and television roles, including HOUSE OF CARDS. For 12 years Marshall has been a guest lecturer for the Cunard Insights Enrichment Program.
Many Columbia Festival of the Arts guests may know Marshall as LakeFest Emcee. However, in 2012, Festival Executive Director Nichole Hickey recruited Marshall from Pat Moran Casting to act as Programming Manger. Following a series of staff & leadership changes, Marshall would eventually return as Marketing Consultant and Executive Producer of the Columbia Film Festival, a welcome responsibility he has continued in his role as Executive Director since August 2020. Marshall is a 30 year Howard County resident and lives in Columbia with his Husband of 35 years, and a 5lb rescue Chihuahua (who he met on a film set) that has more Instagram followers than he does!
Dave Simmons
Director of Programming
Dave Simmons Profile
Dave Simmons joined the Festival as Programming Manager in 2013 and has been instrumental in leading the Festival’s Programming and Production over the past seven years. Some highlights include presenting artists such as Pilobolus, Monterey Jazz Fest on Tour, Judy Collins, Aaron Neville, The Second City, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Architects of Air, and Australia’s Strange Fruit to name a few. He especially enjoys working with the Columbia Association and various community partners in presenting the Festival’s Free LakeFest Weekend, which brings more than 20,000 to Downtown Columbia each June. Simmons really enjoys working with Columbia’s unique creative community in providing free visual and performing arts experiences to the community. In 2016 and 2017, Simmons served on the Board of Directors of Columbia’s 50th Birthday Celebration, where he provided guidance on programming and production for events.
Prior to joining the Festival, Simmons completed his Master’s degree in Arts Management from American University in Washington, D.C. He was awarded “Distinction” for his directed research project Artists’ Access to Healthcare in the United States, which was presented at the 39th International Conference on Social Theory, Politics and the Arts at Seattle University in 2013. Simmons is also a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Art History and was the recipient of the Senior Purchase Award for excellence in Studio Art.
Outside of the Festival, Simmons is the Manager for the D.C. based world music group DOGO, founded by Togolese musician Massama Dogo. He is currently working with the band on a new album release due for release in 2021. Dave lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with wife Kathleen, daughter Claire, and son Luke.
Monica Herber, Development & Support Services Coordinator
Logan “Skip” Seitz, Development Consultant
Susan Boucher, Volunteer Coordinator
Marie E. Bradshaw, Bookkeeper
Dale Rodefer, Technical Director
Cliff Feldwick, IT Specialist
Alison Hickman, President
Dr. Matthew Van Hoose, Vice President
Bram Berlin, Treasurer
Robert Neal Marshall, Secretary
Mary Kay Sigaty, Immediate Past President
Kevin J. Kelehan, Esquire, Legal Counsel
Gary J. Stacharowski, Accountant
Tomiwa Aroyewun, Management Consultant, US Department of Labor
Mae A. Beale, Civic and Community Activist
Bram Berlin, Treasury Management Officer, Sandy Spring Bank
Karen Douglas, Education Research Consultant
Lisa M. Goldblatt, Law Office of Lisa Goldblatt
Alison Hickman, Senior Manager, SF CFO – Financial Planning & Analysis, Fannie Mae
Amanda Hof, Executive Director, Visit Howard County
Philip Maher, Assistant Branch Manager, M&T Bank
Dr. Michael Martirano, Superintendent, Howard County Public School System
Dennis Mattey, Director of Open Space and Facilities Services, Columbia Association
Nicola Morgal, Bureau Chief of Recreation, Howard County Recreation and Parks
Rain Pryor, Actress/Writer/Arts Advocate
Larry Twele, Chief Executive Officer, Howard County Economic Development Authority
Dr. Matthew Van Hoose, Senior Director, Academic Engagement, Howard Community College
Ronnie A. Wooten, Vice President, Commercial Banking, 1st Citizen (Committee Activity Only)
Steven Sachs, Retired from Willis Towers Watson