Diane Michalowski Freedland is the newly appointed Executive Director of Young Audiences of Massachusetts. In this role she is working to further Young Audiences' education mission and undertake new external initiatives and partnerships that help to further develop the next generation of creative thinkers.

Freedland is a seasoned arts education, community, and nonprofit leader. She most recently served as Director of Education at the Sarasota County Arts Council where she had extensive experience in developing and leading K-20 arts education programs in schools, community organizations, museums, and universities. As a curator, she has developed numerous art exhibitions and edited, managed, and contributed to several publications including “The Index of the Discussion” in Jorge Mario Munera: Photographs. Edited by José Luis Falconi and Monet’s London, Artist’s Reflections on the Thames: 1859-1914 published by Snoeck Publishers, Ghent.

Freedland's career in the arts began in NYC where she was Associate Director of Mimi Ferzt Gallery, a contemporary gallery specializing in Russian and Eastern European art. She then went on to work as Managing Director of The Revolving Museum, Assistant for Curatorial Affairs at Harvard Art Museums, and was a Visiting Curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, FL. She received her Ed.M. in Arts in Education from Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

Originally from Cleveland, OH, Jackie graduated from Boston College in 2005, earning a BA in Theatre Arts with an acting focus and a minor in General Education. At BC she gained experience in various aspects of the theatrical process, primarily costume construction, costume design, and make-up design and application. Before joining the YA team, she worked in a customer service role at Sun Life Financial, a global financial company based out of Canada. In addition to working at YA, Jackie continues to act in the Boston area.

Cheryl has extensive experience in the financial management and business administration of entrepreneurial ventures and non-profit organizations. Prior to consulting for non-profits, she served as Associate Vice President of Finance & Accounting at Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications. Cheryl majored in literature at Goddard College, completed her BA in Finance & Business Administration at Boston University, and is currently an MFA candidate at Lesley University. Her debut documentary, All Kindsa Girls (2006) screened at film festivals in London, Toronto, and throughout the US. She serves on the Board of Directors of Women in Film & Video/New England as President and Chair of the Annual Screenwriting Competition. She has written several screenplays and published poetry and nonfiction.

Gail brings 25 years of experience in providing arts enrichment programs to schools, hospitals and communities. She designed and directs YA's Healing Arts for Kids hospital initiative, presents Arts Enrichment Orientation workshops for arts coordinators, and is a member of YA's Program Committee, assisting in the selection and evaluation of roster artists. Gail is a past president of the West Suburban Creative Arts Council, is a member of the board for the Three Apples Storytelling Festival, and has produced numerous community arts events. Gail's lifelong passion for the arts extends outside of YA. She sings with Revels Repertory Company, and administrates the international voice project, The Tuscany Project, in Italy each summer.