Director of Programs and Operations

Massimo Pacchione is a Philadelphia raised artist and arts advocate with a long history of working in non-profits and higher education.

In his most recent position at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Massimo created and managed public programs for over 350,000 people annually. Previously, Massimo served as Associate Director of Admissions at the San Francisco Art Institute - where he worked to increase enrollment, stabilize retention among the student body, as well as streamline student services and engagement opportunities for students. He went on to direct the Enrollment & Outreach team at Saybrook University where he worked to expand opportunities and connections for students.

In addition to his previous employed positions, Massimo is a former resident artist, advisory board member, and educator at Root Division, a San Francisco based arts nonprofit organization that teaches art to under-served youth in the Mission District. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Development Committee for the Marin Cultural Association - an organization with the mission of stewarding leadership in the arts for Marin County. 

Massimo holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Art and Art History from James Madison University, as well as an MFA in New Genres from the San Francisco Art Institute. Massimo also holds an Ed.M from Harvard University, where his work was focused on theories of motivation and constructive teacher pedagogies in relation to creative learning.

Massimo is excited to bring his passion for the arts, artists, and education to the Arts+ Design Initiative team.