Amy Ruggaber is an expert in public policy within the arts and culture sector and has worked as a performing artist, educator, arts administrator, and advocate for 20+ years.  Most recently, she served as the Arts and Culture Social Policy Consultant for the More for Memphis initiative.  Additionally, she has developed and designed two exhibits for the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis “Uplift the Vote” and “The Fayette County Civil Rights Movement and the Photos of Art Shay,” which is currently on display at the Memphis International Airport.  Previously, she was the manager of the award-winning Fellows Program for ArtsMemphis and has worked locally with Tennesseans for the Arts, Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Company, Hattiloo Theatre, and more.  Deeply committed to shining a light on the vital role of the arts in communities, she is an experienced arts advocate and has led advocacy efforts and training across the state of Tennessee and nationwide.  An Arts Integration and Community Engagement Specialist, Amy has written and directed over 60 devised theatre pieces with children and differently-abled individuals.  Prior to her move to Memphis in 2013, she served as the Director of the award-winning Education and Community Outreach Programs at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Her writings have been featured by the Ohio Arts Council, Americans for the Arts, ArtsMemphis, and The (W)rite Teachers.  She has a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Public Policy and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Memphis, as well as a Bachelor of Music, Vocal Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.