The Cathedral Arts Project has appointed Melanie Hammer as its first Vice President of Strategy and Operations.

This position was created to guide the implementation of CAP’s new strategic plan, which was developed with broad input from stakeholders throughout the community. In her new role, Hammer will advance the strategic plan’s four pillars: to enhance student programs that celebrate and develop every child’s unique skills and strengths; to team up with student families as crucial partners; to advocate for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential and accessible arts education that recognizes, amplifies and grows every child’s creative spirit; and to refine and develop CAP’s fellowship program infrastructure to become the national model.

Hammer brings more than 20 years of arts education leadership to the newly created role. She has served at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville for the past 16 years, including as Principal since 2017. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Principal for eight years, the Curriculum and Testing Coordinator for one year and as a math teacher for four years.

In 2016, the Art Schools Network honored Hammer with the Dr. Denise Davis-Cotton Emerging Arts Leader Award — which recognizes the top emerging arts leader in the nation. Under her leadership, Douglas Anderson earned National Magnet Certification from Magnet Schools of America and the school was named an Exemplary Arts School by Arts Schools Network in 2018.

Hammer is a member of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2022. Prior to moving to Douglas Anderson in 2005, she taught math at a dual arts and math magnet school in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education, and the University of North Florida, where she earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.