We are excited to introduce the core team behind Amplifi. Our team brings a wealth of experience and passion to the organization, and we are eager to share our expertise with the community.

Olivia E. Dodd, Executive Director:

With over a decade of experience in the arts and nonprofit sectors, Dodd brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as a creative and executive leader. She has over 15 years experience in the nonprofit management and arts leadership. She has served as CEO/ Founder of the Walter H Everett Foundation, a private foundation that advances the legacy of the titular Golden Age of Illustration artist, as well as a film and video producer through her company, STORIED, which produces branded shorts and is in post-production on its first indie project. Prior to launching STORIED, she was President & CEO of Arts Council Napa Valley for nearly 7 years. Under her leadership the Arts Council developed a strong arts advocacy program, helping to develop public art funding and programs across the county as well as spearheading campaigns such as Napa Valley Arts in April, Creative Directory, and the Napa County Alliance for Arts Education. Dodd’s dedication to the arts, education, and community has earned her recognition from both local and national organizations.

“I’m truly honored to be involved in this pioneering fund at the ground level. It’s been a longstanding dream to see a fund dedicated to elevating local and underrepresented performers and projects,” Dodd said. “We have all felt the power that great performances have to connect and inspire us, and I look forward to creating opportunities for exciting talent and unforgettable experiences for our community.”

Dennis M. Robinson, Director of Development:

Dennis M. Robinson brings a 30-year career in philanthropy and nonprofit/community development, specializing in philanthropic strategies for high net worth and family foundation donors, government and community organizations, universities, and hospitals.

In previous roles Dennis served as a Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Silicon Valley Community Foundation, West Coast Advancement Officer at the Southern Poverty Law Center and Western Regional Director for MedShare.

Dennis has worked independently and professionally raising over $1,000,000 in response to large natural disasters, coordinating response efforts after the invasion of Ukraine, arranging delivery of oxygen generator plants during the COVID surge in India, relief and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico providing air support and developing an emergency shelter in Loiza after Hurricane Maria.

After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, he secured donation of a Gulfstream jet in just 7 hours to transport a surgical trauma team, led 3 missions for St. Francis Medical Center Foundation that brought medical care to 6,350 patients and coordinated a joint, 40 personnel mission with a blended team from California and Canada to serve 3,500 patients in 7 days.

Dennis was invited to ceremonies in Beijing, China where he accepted a peace award for his work in Haiti and an appointment to the executive board of the Beautiful Life Development Plan Foundation. In 2018 he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the California State Library Association’s Civil Liberties Grants Advisory Panel where he still serves today and he also serves on the Advisory Board of Coradorables, Inc. in Oahu, Hawai’i.

Dennis holds a graduate certification in Design, Partnering, Management and Innovation from Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a B. A. in Communications and Speech from Fisk University, with studies in Entertainment Business at Vanderbilt University.

Shannon Kollasch, Programs Manager:

Shannon Kollasch is a nonprofit leader who brings depth of experience across arts, education, and health organizations. With a deep passion for the arts, Shannon’s journey began as a young musician and principal violinist of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, where she shared stages with renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Riccardo Muti, and the Blue Man Group.

Damian DeSena and Gavin Armedariz of North Bay Create, Media Creators & Social Management:

The talented duo of Damian and Gavin from North Bay Create will bring Amplifi Napa Valley’s vision to life through their exceptional media and social media expertise. In addition to being media experts and creative entrepreneurs, Damian and Gavin are musicians local to Napa County. They are passionate about supporting performing artists and telling stories that uplift emerging talent as well as our community. With a passion for storytelling and a keen understanding of the digital landscape, they will play a vital role in raising awareness of our initiatives, fostering connections, and showcasing the incredible impact of our work.

Diana Aviles, Virtual Office Assistant

Diana joins us remotely from El Salvador and brings extensive experience in managing administrative tasks and providing valuable support to organizations. She is the backbone of our operations, helping to keep our team organized and on track. She also helps to answer our general inbox so she is often the first point of contact for our prospective grantees and nominators.

We are proud to have such a dynamic and experienced team at the helm of Amplifi Napa Valley, and we look forward to working together to enrich the cultural landscape of our community. Stay tuned for updates on our programs and initiatives as we continue to amplify the arts in Napa County.