CLEVELAND — The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, or CAL, announced on Friday that Sheffia Randall Dooley had been appointed as the new CEO and President of the organization. Dooley will assume responsibilities on July 1.
Dooley will be succeeding Marsha Dobrzynski, who will be retiring on June 30, 2021, after a celebrated 27-year tenure of leading the organization.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Sheffia’s caliber and experience step up to be the next CEO and President of CAL,” said Board Chair Jeanne Shatten. “I am honored and thrilled to welcome her to the CAL community.”
Dooley has served northeast Ohio for over 20 years in her career as an arts administrator, arts educator, actress and director over the years. Her career history includes Playhouse Square, Cleveland Play House, Karamu House, Cleveland Public Theatre, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
“I have had the privilege of an extraordinary tenure for the last 27 years,” said Dobrzynski. “The organization is flourishing, and there are so many more opportunities ahead. I know Sheffia will take CAL to new heights in arts education for northeast Ohio youth.”
“Marsha has done an amazing job setting such a high bar for arts education in Cleveland,” said Dooley. “I am honored to work with the CAL family to continue to provide exceptional arts education to the students, educators, and families of Northeast Ohio.”
Dooley is currently enrolled at Baldwin Wallace University as she works towards her Master’s in Business Administration degree. She achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the Conservatory at Baldwin Wallace University. Dooley is also a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association and a 2019-2020 recipient of the Cleveland Public Theater Premiere Artist Fellowship.
“Sheffia will move CAL forward,” said Shatten, “with her energy and drive, enthusiasm for the arts, collaborative leadership style, practical experience, and most of all, her deep commitment to the children and families that we serve.”