In this edition of #MondayMorningMeetYourLeaders, you will meet Teresa Staub, Executive Director of Monmouth ArtsCamryn Morrow, our DIAL Intern interviewed Teresa and authored the article.

Teresa got started in the nonprofit field at the American Cancer Society, where she “got the fundraising bug” planning one of their biggest events in New Jersey – the George Washington Challenge bike-a-thon. As she worked her way up from special events and programming, she ultimately found herself as the Executive Director of the Ocean County Unit of the American Cancer Society. After eleven years there, she took some time to raise her two children and started volunteering at a local theatrical production company. Her experience there further emphasized her passion for working in the arts. She got back into the workforce by serving as the Income Development Director at numerous non-profit theaters in Monmouth County, which eventually led her to Monmouth Arts. 

How have the arts played a role in your life outside of work?
“My children are both active in the arts – my daughter went to school for vocal opera performance and my son works as a writer/producer for Marvel in Los Angeles. My love for the arts definitely rubbed off on them, and I am so proud of them both!”  

How do you use the arts to unplug?
“I am very fortunate to be working in this position and to be surrounded by so many arts opportunities and creative people. Monmouth Arts did a program called “Exquisitely Connected” that allowed community members to create art, share it, and connect digitally. You did not have to be an experienced artist, and this allowed me to share my work and have this relaxing creative outlet to draw and connect and create I definitely want to do more drawing in the future.” 

What obstacles have you encountered in the field?
“My biggest challenge has been to bring in funds for arts organizations. It is certainly difficult to raise funds for the arts, which is why we need to be creative. To inspire people to see the value just as much as you do.” 

What advice would you share with your younger self?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. They always say it, but it’s so true. I always worry that I won’t reach a fundraising goal, but things always work out in the end.”