Staff
Jana Riley, IOM
Executive Director
Emily Epling
Programming Director
Dawn Shaw
Site Manager
Robyn Webb-Williams
Development Officer
Wendy May
Administrative Coordinator
Linda Pepper
Exhibition Coordinator
Megan Wooters
Program Assistant & Event Rental Coordinator
Nika Sioson
Creative Coordinator
Jana Riley, IOM
Executive Director
A relentless advocate for the arts, Jana Riley began her journey with Public Works Art Center as a founding board member in 2018, dreaming of a more creative, connected future for her hometown of Summerville. In 2019, she became Interim Director, then Executive Director 6 months later, and has led the organization through its opening, a global pandemic, and countless (daily) other opportunities for personal and professional growth since then.
Riley was a key player in establishing Summerville as a Designated Cultural District through the South Carolina Arts Commission (achieved in 2025), leading the charge alongside Brad Erickson of South Porch Artist’s Residency for two years. In March of 2026, Riley was named Chair of the Summerville Cultural Arts Commission.
Jana Riley is an alumni of Summerville High School, Gardner-Webb University, Leadership Dorchester, and the Together SC Carolina Leadership Seminars. Riley is also a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute of Organization Management, receiving her IOM Designation in 2025.
Raised in Summerville, Riley is a longtime advocate for preserving the important parts of her community while encouraging intentional evolution through arts, culture, and togetherness.
Emily Epling
Programming Director
Emily Epling’s passion for the arts has been lifelong, having followed in her mother’s footsteps by attending Arizona State University’s fine arts program and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Studies. A Summerville resident for 15 years now, she never in a million years dreamt that a free admission art center could be a reality here.
Emily’s focus is on classes, programming, and events at the art center. She was a member of the Leadership Dorchester Class of 2022, and named the South Carolina Art Museum Educator of 2022 by the South Carolina Art Education Association.
Linda pepper
Exhibition Coordinator
Linda, a native of rural Missouri, has made Summerville her home for nearly two years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a minor in Business, graduating magna cum laude from Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri. At Public Works, Linda’s role consists of thoughtfully planning shows, scheduling talented artists, designing the interactive exhibits and creating a positive visitor experience. She strives to bridge the gap between contemporary artists and the public by facilitating experiences that encourage empathy, connection and engagement with current artistic movements and the viewer in an accessible and impactful way.
Linda’s dedication to the arts goes beyond her professional role; she is an avid artist herself. In her free time, she immerses herself in various mediums, including oil painting, watercolors, ink washes, graphite, and ceramics. When she’s not creating art, Linda loves to expand her ever growing plant collection and explore the lowcountry by foot or kayaking with her dog and husband by her side.
WENDY MAY
Administrative Coordinator
Wendy May and her family have been proud to call Summerville home since 2007. She has spent her career lifting people up and helping them find their passions. She values kindness, acceptance, inclusivity, diversity, and self-expression through the arts. This made her transition to the Public Works Art Center a natural progression.
She earned her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts degrees at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky.
She enjoys travel, antiquing, crafting, researching new topics, and spending time with her family, pets, and neighbors.
Having been through many changes and restarts in her life, she has found this quote to be inspirational. Hopefully it will be for you, as well.
“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.” ― Ivy Baker Priest
MEGAN WOOTERS
Program Assistant & Event Rental Coordinator
Nika Sioson
Creative Coordinator
Nika is a Summerville native with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Charleston Southern University, where she was honored with the Outstanding Graphic Design Senior Award. She first joined Public Works Art Center as a volunteer before stepping into her current role as Creative Coordinator, where she is responsible for the center’s marketing, visual design, and promotional materials.
Committed to the belief that art should be accessible to everyone, Nika approaches her work with a passion for storytelling, empathy, and kindness. She strives to make Public Works’ visual presence reflect the warmth and inclusivity of its community. Her hope is that every person who walks through the doors is enveloped by the same kindness and connection that she has so gratefully experienced here.
Robyn Webb-Williams
Development Officer
Throughout her career Robyn has successfully raised funds for local and national organizations that create meaningful impact. She attributes her success as a fundraiser to her passion for connecting those who have the capacity to give to causes that matter including healthcare, civil rights, and the arts.
Dawn Shaw
Site Manager
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