Our team

The people behind Heard.

Heard delivers free, community-based arts programming through embedded partnerships with local nonprofits and public agencies. Our work is led by professional teaching artists and guided by a board committed to access, equity, and program quality.

Leadership

Kelly Carnes

Executive Director

Kelly Carnes is the Executive Director of Heard. She spent more than a decade at the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Museum of Natural History and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, before serving as Director of Public Relations for all non-classical programming at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She later founded and grew a $1M consulting practice representing more than 50 clients and served as Deputy Director of Planet Word during its launch. Kelly brings deep experience in communications, nonprofit growth, and cross-sector partnerships to Heard's mission.

Small team, wide reach.

Heard keeps its staff lean so that the majority of resources go directly to paid teaching artists, materials, and program delivery inside partner sites.

Meet our teaching artists

Board of Directors

Governance and guidance

Julie Bowman

Board of Directors

Julie Bowman is a manager of organizational development for a global real estate team at Amazon. She brings experience in fundraising, public speaking, and workshop facilitation, along with a long background in vocal performance and coaching.

Allen Brooks

Board of Directors

Allen Brooks is the founder of Continues Arcade in Alexandria, Virginia, a retro arcade featuring classic video games and pinball. As a Producer at the Kennedy Center, he focused on educational games and partnerships, including organizing the Educational Games Expo. He later helped grow Building Momentum as Chief Storyteller, leading it to 25 employees and $7 million in annual revenue. In 2020, Allen co-founded the Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater, raising $500,000 and using proceeds to create 500 desks for students during virtual learning. He is active in multiple civic and education organizations and was named an Alexandria 40 Under 40 honoree in 2020.

Melanie Brumfield

Board of Directors

Melanie Brumfield has more than a decade of supervisory experience working with organizations serving vulnerable communities. Her background spans political science, African American studies, and applied behavior analysis, with a focus on advocacy and empowerment.

Michael Collins

Board of Directors

Michael Collins is a retired civilian program manager for the United States Navy and a consultant specializing in research, development, and acquisition programs. He has a long history of volunteer leadership and community service.

Kodi Seaton

Board of Directors

Kodi Seaton is the founder of The Un Group, a boutique creative agency providing branding, graphic design, marketing, and social media support for mission-driven organizations. His clients include the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Catholic Charities, National Landing BID, and New America. Kodi previously spent nearly a decade as a Creative Officer at The Pew Charitable Trusts. He is an active volunteer and mentor, including long-term service with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and supports emerging creatives and LGBTQ+ professionals through community-based leadership.

Hilary-Morgan Watt

Board of Directors

Hilary-Morgan Watt is the inaugural Social Media Creative Strategist for the Smithsonian Institution, where she leads influencer partnerships, community engagement, and video strategy. She has spent the last decade advancing digital engagement across the Smithsonian, including leadership roles at the Arts and Industries Building, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the National Museum of Natural History. Hilary-Morgan is an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University, teaching Museums & Social Media in the Graduate Museum Studies program. She holds a BFA from Southern Oregon University and a master's in Museum Studies from GWU, and volunteers with the Capital Pride Alliance and the DC Walls Mural Festival.

Join us

Interested in serving or teaching?

Heard welcomes conversations with prospective board members, volunteers, and teaching artists across every discipline.

Email director@heardnova.org

Kelly Carnes

Small team, wide reach.

Governance and guidance

Julie Bowman

Allen Brooks

Melanie Brumfield

Michael Collins

Kodi Seaton

Hilary-Morgan Watt

Interested in serving or teaching?

Hear from Heard.