For Immediate Release
September 4th, 2025
Contact | Vanessa Ormsby, RCA Communications Director
Deidra Cate | New RCA Education Director
A dedicated advocate for lifelong learning
Deidra Cate serves as the Education Director for Rockport Center for the Arts, beginning September 1st, 2025. Deidra brings a deep passion for youth education, community engagement, and the creative intersections of art and culinary expression. Deidra says “Being on staff at Rockport Center for the Arts is a full circle moment for me. I have long enjoyed the wonderful programs RCA has to offer and now I get to bring those programs to life”.
A dedicated advocate for lifelong learning, Deidra’s professional experience includes serving as Site Coordinator for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant at RFISD from 2017 to 2022. Her commitment to nonprofit service throughout her residency in Rockport has encompassed volunteer roles with several local organizations, including the Texas Maritime Museum, Rockport-Fulton Education Foundation, Odyssey, and ABC Learning Center.
Before re-entering the professional sphere, Deidra devoted her time to raising her three sons—now young adults—alongside her husband, Garry Cate. Her work continues to be grounded in a deep commitment to education, creativity, and fostering meaningful connections within the community.
Executive Director Karen Ernst says, "We’re thrilled to welcome Deidra into her new role as Education Director. Her passion for education, deep commitment to our organization, and strong ties to the Rockport community make her the ideal leader for our education programming. We’re excited to see her step into this expanded role and help shape the future of our educational initiatives."
About Rockport Center for the Arts
Rockport Center for the Arts is a cultural hub on the Texas Coast, providing exhibitions, education, and programming to nurture the arts in the community and beyond. To learn more, visit rockportartcenter.com or call (361) 729-5519.