Commissioners

DONNA MARIE SHEA

CHAIRWOMAN

Donna Marie Shea received her undergraduate degree in Art from Stockton University as she worked at Stockton’s Graphic Arts Department. Later, she continued to use her design and marketing skills as an owner and operator of Trimark Direct Mail Marketing Franchise. Eventually, her desire to give back to the community led her to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Teaching and MS Degree in Special Ed. Currently, Donna Marie works for Atlantic City Schools as an LRC Special Education Teacher and holds several teaching certifications including art.  She believes art is a valuable tool of expression, healing, and learning in both education and her community. As she volunteered for the Commission, Donna Marie has promoted many established and emerging artists with projects she has spearheaded that include the Traffic Box Design Project, murals, art shows at Garden Pier Art Gallery, and the Boardwalk Art Show.

ALMA JOHNSON

VICE – CHAIRWOMAN

Alma is a lifelong resident of Atlantic City where she volunteers helping sick and shut-ins. After 32 years of service and 22 years as Postmaster of Elwood, Alma retired from the USPS.  After retirement, she served as Jury Aide for 15 years for Superior Court of NJ,  President of Venice Park Civic Assn, and Camden Diocesan Gospel Choir.  Currently, she is President of Seniors  AC/BIC, serves on Camden Diocesan Housing Board Corp., a member SJ Golden Circle, Pages Two Book Club, and Lector and Extraordinary Minister at St. Monica Parish.

DR. MARY WILLIAMS

SECRETARY

Dr. Williams is a Professor of Education at La Salle University. She teaches and conducts research on the effective middle level and secondary teaching. Her focus is on equity and social justice, ethical leadership, and interdisciplinary planning & teaching. Incorporation of the arts in teaching is essential for well-rounded student-centered learning & development. Professor Williams is the author of four books, a book chapter, and more than a dozen articles, and is an international keynote speaker. Her first book, “Educating Hearts and Minds,” became a Corwin Press ‘Best Seller.’  She is currently writing another book on ‘Constructivist Teaching Practices for Adolescents.’

KEVIN BRADLEY

COMMISSIONER

Kevin is a life long resident of Absecon Island where for many years, he worked at his family’s bike rental business. He is a graduate of Rider University, and after graduation began working with the Marriott Corporation. He now manages the Jersey Devil Surf Shop at Resorts International Casino and Hotel, and Gardners Basin, Atlantic City.

RAYMOND TYLER

COMMISSIONER

Raymond Tyler is a life long resident of Atlantic City but has worked as an artist in various expressions around the nation. His visual art has hung in local banks and businesses. For 2 years Mr. Tyler owned and operated The Little Wellness Arts Gallery. He’s covered art and music for The Source, Essence, XXL, and various other magazines. Mr. Tyler also works as a mix DJ for special arts events, radio stations, and festivals. He was the first Black Columnist for The Atlantic City Weekly and currently pens The Art and Soul of Atlantic County column for Atlantic County Magazine. Mr. Tyler also produces the radio show The Light which is heard weekly in Philadelphia on FM 106.5 WPPM and on FM 91.7 WLFR in Atlantic City. He also curates The Arts And Music Networking events and this summer will curate a new magazine called The Arts and Music Journal.

Michele Newman

COMMISSIONER

Michele Newman studied fine arts at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, NY, after which she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Eugene Lang College – The New School for Social Research, also in New York City. After graduation she became a freelance graphic artist, which led her to a decades-long career in niche-industry magazine publishing. She moved to Atlantic City about ten years ago, and for the last five years, she has focused her work entirely on the condominium and homeowner association industry. In addition to publishing in this niche, her company creates education programs for community managers and board members. She is also a certified mediator for the New Jersey chapter of Community Associations Institute. Michele has always loved the arts and continues to create paintings and sculptures to share with family and friends.