Staff
Founder/President
I am a board-certified pediatric physical therapist with a Master’s in Pediatric Physical Therapy and Doctorates in Education and Public Policy. My pediatric rehabilitation practice was groundbreaking, being the largest in the country and the first Medicare-certified pediatric agency. The treatment techniques I pioneered for pediatric neurological disorders are now widely adopted, benefiting both children and adults. Following a disability, I retired from physical therapy and channeled my passion into establishing the St. Louis Arts Chamber of Commerce.
Board of Directors
Jesika is a Senior Manager in KPMG’s Department of Professional Practice – Global Audit Methodology Group, where she has responsibilities for development, maintenance, and support of the Firm’s audit methodology and related technology. Jesika brings 16 years of audit and finance experience, having served on audits for public and private companies. She is passionate about the arts and cultivating the arts within the St. Louis community and currently serves as the Board President for Dance St. Louis. Jesika is also an adjunct facility member in the Department of Accounting at the Chafietz School of Business at Saint Louis University. Jesika has a Masters in Accountancy and a BSBA in Accounting and Spanish from Saint Louis University and over 16 years of audit experience with KPMG. She is also involved in the community as a Allocation Panel Financial Expert for the United Way of Greater St. Louis jbbyrd@kpmg.com
Christian Wargo
Christian is Executive Director of Microfinancing Partners in Africa responsible for scaling all parts of the organization. Previous experience includes Director of Alumni Development at Washington Christian Wargo has been involved with the St. Louis Arts Chamber since 2019, supporting multiple areas of operations, including public relations, events, and development. Currently, he serves as Executive Director for Microfinancing Partners in Africa, an international nonprofit that facilitates educational and financial programs to help empower those living in extreme poverty to lift themselves up with dignity. Christian has previously worked for Washington University in St. Louis as Director of Annual Giving Programs, Black Twig Marketing + Communications as Account Director, and multiple fraternity and sorority headquarters staff in communications, event planning, and fundraising roles. Additionally, Christian volunteers with the Saint Louis Zoo as a member of the Zoo Young Professional Advisory Board and serves on the development committee of STAGES St. Louis. St. Louis, assistant director for the St. Louis Arts Chamber of Commerce and development for Akron Zoo.
cwargo@microfinancingafrica.org
Deanna Cotton
Elliot Archer
James Spell
Senior Strategist leading matrix teams, research strategy and influencing firm-level strategic initiatives while partnering with leaders at various levels. Adept at building strong relationships and providing solutions that drive empathy building. Exercise strong critical thinking and sound judgment while independently making decisions and providing consultative leadership.
SKILLS
- Relationship building and influencing decision-
making. - Strong attention to detail and ability to lead
large, complex tasks and projects. - Provide thought leadership and work
effectively in a matrixed team. - Effectively communicate in verbal and
written venues to present strategic
opportunities.
Elliot Archer is a disabled, transgender public historian with a commitment to disability justice, education and programming, and grant writing/development. In May 2024, he completed his Master of Arts in History (with a concentration in Museums, Heritage, and Public History) at the University of Missouri-St. Louis under the mentorship of Dr. Lara Kelland and Dr. Lauren Obermark. In 2021, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with Honors. His exit project is a zine titled More than Access: Understanding Disability Justice in the Context of Museums, addressing disability justice in the museum sector. He currently works in data and grant management with a St. Louis social services nonprofit organization. Outside of the St. Louis Arts Chamber of Commerce, he currently volunteers with the Alliance of Texas History, Dallas Area Society of Historians, Challenging History Initiative, the Contemporary Art Museum, Tenth Life Cat Rescue, the Regional Arts Commission, UMSL National History Day, the Gateway Arch National Park, and the Great Rivers Greenway.
With a BA in art history, James has graduate coursework in architecture and urban design and is working towards his project management professional certification. He is an accomplished learning and development professional, people focused team leader, innovative instructional designer, and engaging communicator speacializing in the creation, presentation and administration of results-oriented organizational and personal development initiatives resulting in a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture.
Jason Vassar-Elong
Mark Spykerman
Ricardo Flores Diaz