Mary Kingslan Gibilisco

Mary Kingslan Gibilisco was appointed Executive Director of WhyArts on January 1, 2022, bringing with her more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, arts education, and community engagement. Prior to stepping into this role, she was with Arts in Motion, an organization dedicated to inclusive and accessible arts programming, which merged with WhyArts in 2021.

Mary holds a Master of Science in Youth Development and Nonprofit Management from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with minors in Art History and Spanish. She also earned an Adult Training Certificate from the university’s College of Continuing Studies, equipping her with specialized skills in education and workforce development.

As an accomplished visual artist and dedicated instructor, Mary is passionate about using the arts as a tool for empowerment, connection, and creative expression. Under her leadership, WhyArts continues to expand its reach, fostering meaningful partnerships and ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities have access to high-quality arts experiences.

Mary lives in Omaha with her husband, John. They are proud parents of two grown children and doting grandparents to two grandsons.