Staff & Board - Union Project

Jeffrey Dorsey

(he/him/his)

Executive Director

jeffrey@unionproject.org x226

Jeffrey is a compassionate leader, collaborator, community builder, and activist. He loves being at Union Project because he gets the opportunity to practice all of these qualities everyday. He is grateful to work with people who are also actively working toward positive change in their lives and communities. When he isn’t at UP you will find him walking in nature, meditating, playing soccer, or making paintings as social commentary.

Michelle Clesse

(she/her)

Deputy Director

michelle@unionproject.org x229

Michelle is an engagement escalator, data junkie, spreadsheet fanatic, and visual artist. She believes clay can and should be used to unite people and build empathy. She is dedicated to making sure everyone has the chance to explore clay. Outside of UP, Michelle really enjoys baking, lifting weights, and making spreadsheets to track all sorts of nonsense.

Mac McCusker

(he/they)

Ceramics Studio Manager

mac@unionproject.org

Mac is a transgender artist and activist whose work addresses the inequalities and systemic prejudices against the LGBTQIA community. Mac has lectured nationally about gender and gender identity. His clay work has been published in Ceramics Monthly and Studio Potter. Mac began his art career as a painter and still enjoys painting portraits when not in the clay studio.

Pamela Weatherspoon

(she/her)

Event Rental Manager

pamela@unionproject.org

Pamela is a Pittsburgh native who grew up right here in the East End. She brings such joy to UP – always planning her next trip, laughing at Michelle’s jokes, or talking about what food she would cater for a party. A self-described crazy dog lady, she holds particular affection for her handsome Shi Tzu, Bentley. Pamela loves to indulge in a dive bar, a greasy diner, and reality tv. As an introverted social butterfly, she’s excellent at making meaningful connections and bringing fun and razzle-dazzle to the Union Project team and rental experiences.

Rebecca McNeil

(she/her/hers)

Shared Chief Financial Officer, Arts Finance Cohort

rmcneil@artscohort.org

Rebecca is a number genius and uses budgets to tell stories. She’s basically the Tolkien of excel. Rebecca comes to Union Project through her shared role with The Arts Finance Cohort members including Contemporary Craft, New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Union Project, and the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Rebecca is a classically trained clarinetist with a degree in performance and plays clarinet with a local community ensemble. She loves vegan treats (and the occasional Dr. Pepper).

Sam Laffey

(she/her)

Marketing Coordinator

sam@unionproject.org

Sam is a writer, designer, artist, social media addict, and marketer dedicated to supporting artists and small arts organizations. She loves working with Union Project because we are always looking for ways to push ourselves to build a more empathetic and equitable community through the arts. We’re never “done.” Sam has two dogs that run her life, is obsessed with the color green, and watches way too much TV.