BCA STAFF

John Russick has over 30 years of professional experience working in museums and galleries. He has a long track record of diverse and award-winning work coupled with significant experience guiding cultural institutions during leadership transition. He has held positions at Chicago’s Field Museum and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, and leadership positions at the Chicago History Museum and the Levine Museum of the New South. He has an undergraduate degree in history with an art history minor from Northern Illinois University, and a masters in architectural studies (MSAS) from the University of Texas at Austin. Over his extensive career, Russick has worked across a diverse range of cultural institutions and successfully led numerous complex, large-scale museum projects involving multiple partners and contractors. He also has extensive experience developing digital projects for museums and historical sites. Russick has leadership experience hiring and managing museum staff, as well as overseeing strategic planning, reorganization, and community engagement. 

Mutòpe J. Johnson is a Milwaukee-based artist, educator, and arts administrator. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting & Drawing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2014, and his Bachelor of Fine Arts from UW-Whitewater in 1978. Johnson currently serves as the Director of Creative Engagement & Partnerships at the Bronzeville Center for the Arts in Milwaukee, a role he has held since 2020. He oversees the gallery program, provides creative direction, and cultivates strategic partnerships. Prior to joining the BCA, Johnson had a lengthy career as an art instructor, teaching courses at UW-Whitewater, UW-Milwaukee, and serving as a lecturer and fellow at various art programs. He has also held roles as a creative director for major advertising agencies. An active painter and multimedia artist, Johnson’s work has been featured in over 100 exhibitions nationally and internationally. His art often explores themes of African American culture, identity, and the preservation of the historic Bronzeville neighborhood in Milwaukee.

Robyn Cherry has over a decade of experience in communications, public relations, and community engagement roles. A Milwaukee native, Cherry holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Cherry’s background includes serving as a Public Relations Consultant, where she managed client relationships, coordinated events and volunteer efforts, and provided strategic guidance. Previously, she was a Communications Manager at Milwaukee Urban League, overseeing outreach initiatives, grant writing, social media, and media relations strategies. Additionally, Cherry worked as a Senior Broadcast Producer at Wisconsin Public Radio, lending her skills to promotion, content creation, and production across multimedia platforms. Her well-rounded experience allows her to effectively develop messaging, cultivate partnerships, and drive engagement with diverse audiences.