Erie Arts and Culture announces New Executive Director

Erie Arts and Culture is thrilled to announce the appointment of Susannah Faulkner as its new Executive Director, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s 65 year history.

Photo by Jessica Hunter

An advocate, artist, and community leader, Faulkner joined the EAC team in March 2025 as Executive Director.

From growing up in Erie and taking her first ballet class at the MLK Center at age 4, this role brings together her passions of nonprofit administration, advocacy, and performing arts. Faulkner received a BA in Politics from Ithaca College and an MPA in Public Policy from the London School of Economics. Her career and studies have taken her to New York, Colorado, England, Ireland, and California, with a return to Erie in the fall of 2020.

Previously, Faulkner served as Director of Development at the SSJ Neighborhood Network, building the organization's capacity to deliver revitalization, affordable housing, and food access programming. In 2023, she became the first woman appointed to Erie City Council.

EAC Board Chair Michelle Butler, PhD shares, “Susannah is a servant leader with a passion for advocacy and a strong connection to our community. Her time with the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network, in city government and even in the dance studio have uniquely prepared her to lead in this moment. She is a wonderful fit for the Erie Arts and Culture of today and of tomorrow. I am so excited to see where her leadership takes us and to partner with her to grow the impact of the organization.”

Faulkner is eager to promote the creative sectors throughout Erie Arts and Culture’s six-county service region.

Welcome, Susannah!