Matt Carney is thankful for his career in the arts in San Diego working as an artist and administrator. He was drawn into the world of dance as another way to convey his interests in equality, social activism, and the simple joy of moving. After the recession in 2008, he began to dig deeper into dance on a systemic level. Questions on how to sustain this art form and preserve its legacy filled his head and led to a pathway of synergy between both his artistic and administrative sides.

He has his BFA in Dance from the University of MO-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance and while working on his Master in Public Administration from SDSU’s School of Public Affairs his research focused on organizational development, strategic planning, and communication. Matt guest teaches regularly at San Diego School of the Creative and Performing Arts, at the San Diego Ballet School, and the SDB Summer Intensive among others. Community commitments include immediate past Chair of the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition, the Port of San Diego’s Art, Culture, and Design Committee, the UCSD’s Park and Market Advisory Council, and has served on grant panels for the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, Port of San Diego, and the California Arts Council.

Marshall Whiteley’s journey in dance began at the age of 13, and by 15, he had set his sights on a professional career. At just 17, he took his first professional steps with The Washington Ballet’s Studio Company, honing his craft before earning the opportunity to dance with one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world—American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York. Under the directorship of Kevin McKenzie, Marshall spent six years performing the classical repertoire and touring internationally, sharing the stage with some of the greatest dancers of his generation.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a return to his roots on the West Coast, where he joined the San Diego Ballet to be closer to family. Back home, he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the affordable housing crisis and its impact on the artistic community. Recognizing the urgent need to support dancers and artists facing displacement, Marshall co-founded The Robin’s Nest Foundation, dedicated to securing stable housing and fostering sustainable careers for artists. Through this initiative, he seeks to create a future where artistic excellence can thrive without the looming burden of housing insecurity.