Meet the Team

cynthia byrnes

Director

“IT CAN BE SIMPLE TO FIND EXTRAORDINARY ART.”

With a background in both creative and corporate worlds, Cynthia Byrnes recognized a need in the art market to combine art and commerce more intuitively. In 2008, she filled the gap. Starting with a small group of artists, Cynthia founded the CBCA digital platform based on her belief that it can be simple to find extraordinary art. The visionary Gallery and online workspace was conceived to go beyond the traditional art acquisition experience, allowing clients to discover, organize, curate, collaborate and select art in a seamless, thoughtful process.

With a deep appreciation for art, Cynthia is equally focused on helping her clients. She brings a natural ability to curate art that’s right for each client while surprising and inspiring with a fresh point of view. Her uniquely collaborative work with collectors, designers, architects, landscape architects and art professionals is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.

Cynthia brings 20 years of experience through her previous tenure at Conde Nast’s Architectural Digest and Vanity Fair, and advertising agencies Wells Rich Greene and Y&R.

Jill Rossi

Senior Curator | Project Manager

Jill joined CBCA in 2016 and brings 15+ years of experience in art and exhibition management, project management, art education, and studio practice. She manages CBCA’s commercial projects and corporate accounts.

Jill received her MFA in Painting from Western Connecticut State University in 2010, MA in Painting from Eastern Illinois University in 2004, and BFA in Painting and BA in Spanish from Miami University (OH) in 2003. Additionally, Jill is a CT-based artist and is the Executive Director of Rome Art Program in Rome, Italy.

Tessa Rosenstein

Exhibitions Manager | Curator

Having joined CBCA in 2018 with a background in research and art gallery administration, Tessa manages CBCA’s Exhibitions Program and artwork database.

Tessa received her MSc in Contemporary Art History, Criticism, and Curating from the University of Edinburgh (UK) in 2017, and her BA in Art History from Mount Holyoke College (MA) in 2014.

Jack O’Connor

Project Manager | Curator

Jack joined CBCA in 2022. Having experience in diverse creative fields ranging from photography to interior design, he arrived back to the states after working at an interior / yacht design firm in Milan, Italy. Jack curates and manages residential and commercial projects.

Jack received his BFA in Photography and Communication Design, as well as a certificate in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in 2019. He received a Chancellor’s Endorsed Diploma for Fine Arts in 2015 from LaGuardia. 

Suzanne Simmonds

Finance + Business Operations Management

Suzanne partnered with CBCA in 2016 and is responsible for the ongoing business operations of CBCA including all banking, accounting and investment management. Prior to CBCA, she was in financial and operations management for 14 years for a strategic consulting management firm before becoming an independent consultant, and has 25 years experience in corporate environments and closely held businesses.

Kimberly Wiehl

Strategic Business Advisor

Kim works closely with Cynthia on business development and long term growth opportunities. In her 30+ year career in cross border trade finance she worked in both New York and London. As Secretary-General of the Berne Union in London, she lead the global association of credit and investment insurers, and spent 20 years at JP Morgan where she was Managing Director of the Central Europe, Africa and Middle East Structured Trade Team.

In addition to her role as principal in the family real estate company, Kim has served as Treasurer for the Women’s Business Development Council and is currently the Chair of the American Arbitration Association and a Non-Executive for UK Export Finance.