NW MI Arts & Culture Network

Xavier Verna is the Executive Director of the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts since 2017 after serving as the Director of Education for the Sphinx Organization in Detroit. He is also involved in state-wide efforts to support other Michigan arts and cultural organizations as a governor-appointed council member for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and serves on three boards, including the Manistee Chamber of Commerce, So Percussion, and as past president for the Michigan Presenters Network.

Verna has a collaborative energy and at Sphinx expanded its educational programming profile to a national level, which received one of the highest honors at the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, hosted by former First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. His energy has increased partnerships within the Manistee community with local and regional business leaders and corporations to support programming and operations. Most recently, Verna has led the transformation of the art galley space Hardy Hall and state-of-the-art upgrades to the Ramsdell Theatre’s sound system.