CREATE BIRMINGHAM STAFF
VALERIE COLLINS THOMAS
Interim CEO
Valerie’s devotion to the arts in Birmingham, her corporate experience as a systems engineer and marketing representative with IBM, and subsequent nonprofit management and development roles with organizations like the Allentown Art Museum, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, and the National Trauma Institute, make Valerie uniquely poised to lead Create Birmingham through this transition and maintain momentum on key strategic initiatives.
“I am pleased to be able to serve our community further as Create Birmingham’s Interim CEO during this important time of transition,” said Valerie Thomas. “I look forward to collaborating closely with our talented team to continue delivering value to our clients and stakeholders. My immediate priorities are to ensure seamless operations, support our team, connect with and inform our generous donors until our Board names a permanent CEO.
VIOLA RATCLIFFE
Senior Director
Viola Ratcliffe is an arts administrator and educator, whose work explores the intersection of art and activism. A native of Montgomery, Alabama; she earned her undergraduate degree in Art History from the University of Alabama and her master’s degree in Art History from Bowling Green State University. Viola’s career in the nonprofit sector spans over ten years and she has worked for several arts and culture institutions including the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Troy University Rosa Parks Museum and Minnetrista Museum and Gardens. In 2022 Viola was named interim director of the Birmingham non-profit Bib & Tucker Sew-Op, a position that she held until 2023. In addition to being Create Birmingham’s Community Engagement Manager, Viola is also a facilitator for the CO.STARTERS program.
LEE SHOOK
Director | Film Birmingham
Lee Shook joined Create Birmingham in September 2024 as Jefferson County Film Strategist. A well-known member of the arts, music, and film community around Birmingham, with over two decades of experience advocating on behalf of the Magic City’s creative endeavors, Lee Shook has a proven track record for both getting results as well as thinking outside the box when it comes to tackling big projects. Having worked in almost every facet of film production, he has seen the workings of the industry from the inside out. Whether it’s making documentary films about legendary Southern artists, pioneering multi-media content for local radio, producing groundbreaking online music festivals, putting together internationally recognized arts events, or capturing historical interviews and live performances around the city of Birmingham, he has repeatedly committed his time, talent and resources to making sure the Magic City’s voice is heard well beyond the confines of our home state.
DEZ WILSON
Communications & Growth Manager
Dez Wilson is a Creative Director, cinematographer, and multidisciplinary visual artist based in Birmingham, Alabama, with more than 14 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and brand storytelling. He has held leadership roles including Associate Creative Director at Luckie & Co., where he led campaigns for Rivian, Regions Bank, and Southern Research, and Senior Producer at Reckon, shaping multimedia narratives for national audiences.
Wilson’s career reflects a proven ability to merge strategic marketing expertise with innovative design and filmmaking, creating campaigns and content that resonate across advertising, entertainment, and community-driven initiatives.
DESEAN MOTLEY
Film Office Specialist
In partnership with Birmingham Corps, DeSean joined Create Birmingham in February 2023 as our Film Office Specialist. He plays an important role in serving as the liaison between film productions, municipalities, and the community. Born and raised in Birmingham, DeSean is now a film student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, currently studying cinematography and narrative filmmaking with aspirations of directing in the future. He loves Birmingham and film and is thrilled to join the team.