Published on April 1, 2026 | Staten Island Advance | Written by Advance Local Express Desk
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sundog Theatre has appointed two veteran educators to its board of directors, bringing the Staten Island-based organization’s board membership to 11.
Dr. Nicole Reid Christopher and Anthony Lodico were approved as the newest board members, according to an announcement made Feb. 9.
Dr. Nicole Reid Christopher founded an elementary school and now coaches women leaders, while Anthony Lodico oversaw 70 schools as executive superintendent.
Dr. Christopher brings more than 25 years of experience in urban education systems, having served as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, principal, and leadership advisor. She spent 13 years as founding principal of Future Leaders Elementary School, P.S. 74, and now operates Rise and Shine Leading, LLC, a coaching and consulting practice for women leaders. She holds a doctorate in executive leadership from St. John Fisher University.
Anthony Lodico helped strengthen Port Richmond High School’s theater arts program before rising through education administration ranks.
Lodico retired from the New York City Department of Education after a 36-year career spanning teaching and administration. He began his career in 1984 at Port Richmond High School, where he taught drama and English for 18 years while serving as teacher, adviser, and assistant principal. He later held positions including principal of Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, Manhattan high school superintendent overseeing 50 schools, and superintendent for Staten Island’s District 31 schools. In 2018, he was named executive superintendent.
“Dr. Nicole Reid Christopher and Anthony Lodico embody the values that are at the heart of Sundog Theatre, which are education, creativity, equity and community connection,” said Susan Fenley, Sundog’s executive director. “Each brings decades of leadership in these areas. They share our belief in the transformative power of the arts, and we know their insight and experience will be invaluable as Sundog continues to serve young people and families throughout Staten Island.”
The pair join a board that includes Fenley, board chair Marjorie Hack, treasurer Mark Giacalone of Valley Bank, and members from organizations including Comserve Connect, Del Rey, Tanzi, Guglieta, D’Ambrosi CPAs LLP, and the New York Public Library.
Founded in 2002, Sundog Theatre presents original and contemporary theater productions and offers culturally based school programming in theater, visual arts, dance, music and literacy to students from kindergarten through high school.
