Universitywide development and communications staff

Anna E. von Gehr joined VCUarts in January 2019 as executive director for development and strategic initiatives.  In this newly created position, von Gehr works concomitantly with the dean of VCUarts in managing philanthropic efforts for the school while developing innovative models for advancement centered on collaborations with the schools of Arts, Medicine, and Business and the College of Engineering.  

Before joining VCUarts, she was chief officer for advancement and external affairs for the Florida State University Cultural Center and The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art.  Under her leadership she reorganized the development operation, doubling fundraising results and completing a $100 million campaign.

A veteran of museum and arts administration, von Gehr has served in several leadership roles, including director of university arts development at the University of Virginia, Washington and Lee University, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Oakland Museum of California.  

She was a Regent Scholar at the University of California Santa Cruz and majored in history. She earned a master's in museum studies with an emphasis in nonprofit management and development from San Francisco State University.

Kerr joined the VCUarts development team in August 2012, where she serves as director of events and sponsorships. She previously worked for VCU's Office of the President as manager of the Scott House. She earned her M.F.A. in ceramics from James Madison University.

Johnston is proud to have been a part of the VCU Department of Music since 1988. She is an alumna of VCU Music with a bachelor of music education degree. She also serves as music director/organist at Pine Street Baptist Church, where she has served since 1972. Johnston serves the Department of Music as the fiscal administrator as well as human resources liaison. One of her many responsibilities in the department is to maintain relationships with VCU Music alumni and donors. 

Silitch leads the communications strategy at VCUarts. She has 14 years of communications and management experience in an academic setting, with expertise in strategic planning, external affairs, print and web communications. Prior to joining VCU, she worked at Williams College, where she was the college's creative director. She also served as the communications and external affairs director at the Williams College Museum of Art. She has a graduate certificate in business administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (2013), an M.F.A. in painting from SUNY Stony Brook (2001) and a B.A. from Mary Washington College (1995), where she double majored in sociology (concentration anthropology) and fine art. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the American Marketing Association.