| Our Staff |
|
In addition to our Executive Director, Michelle Williams, the small staff of the Cultural Council has a big job: working with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to lend support and provide whatever is needed to advocate and support artists and arts organizations in our community. Ann Ostermann, Open Studios & Events Manager
Ann manages the production of our annual Open Studios Art Tour and Spring fundraising event. She is the liaison for several hundred Open Studios artists, event sponsors and volunteers. Her attention to detail, unflappable nature and keen ability to predict the unpredictable make Ann the ideal person to run the show at our major events.
Email Ann at: Events; phone: 831.475.9600 x17 Claudia Stefani, Finance & Operations Manager
Claudia joined the staff in 2003, bringing over 25 years of experience in financial and administrative management. Claudia monitors the overall agency budget for compliance, acts as liaison with auditors, lenders and investment brokers, oversees internal financial and office systems and develops and implements fiscal and administrative policy.
Email Claudia at:Finance; phone: 831.475.9600 x23 Joyce Magallanes, Exhibit Planner & Administrative Assistant
Joyce keeps the office running as part of her administrative duties, including coordinating volunteers. She also curates the art exhibits at the Santa Cruz County Government Center, which rotate throughout the year with a variety of artwork. Additionally, Joyce coordinates the annual Children's Exhibit displayed at the County Government Center.
Email Joyce at: Joyce; phone: 831.475.9600 x10 Megan Searcy, Marketing & Development Coordinator
Megan holds Masters degrees in Arts Administration and Instrumental Performance, bringing experience in both the creative and professional sides of artistic vision. She maintains the Cultural Council's website, creates marketing collateral, assists in grant writing and other development duties, and generally supports staff on a variety of tasks. She also serves as the Cultural Council's administrative liaison for the Board of Directors.
Email Megan at: Megan; phone: 831.475.9600 x21 Nabil Ghachem, Grants & Technical Assistance Program Manager
Nabil graduated as an accountant from the University of Brussels, then added creative disciplines to his career path, emphasizing art and cultural project management. His passion for the local arts community, business acumen and analytical mind support his work. In his position at the Cultural Council, Nabil supports artists and arts organizations through professional development and grant making.
Email Nabil at: Grants; phone: 831.475.9600 x16
Sally Green, Development & Communications Director
Sally has successfully led and raised funds for nonprofit organizations both locally and internationally for over 15 years. She holds degrees in business administration and nonprofit management. Together with our Executive Director and Board, Sally works to garner the resources and support needed to carry out the Cultural Council's mission.
Email Sally; phone: 831.475.9600 x19 Sonia Deetz, Arts Education Manager
Sonia’s varied career path has been immersed in education: she has taught in pre-school, elementary and high schools and has worked in as a program manager for non-profit organizations with educational missions. She earned a Montessori teaching credential in her native England and a BA in English from St Thomas University, Texas. Sonia is passionate about the arts and loves to visit galleries and museums and particularly enjoys theatre. As the Arts Education Manager, Sonia implements the SPECTRA Arts Grants to Schools, publishes the online Teaching Artist Directory, and oversees the Mariposa’s Arts program.
Email Sonia at: Sonia; phone: 831.475.9600 x20
Sarah Brothers, Arts Education & Outreach Coordinator
Sarah’s holds a BA in fine art with minors in both anthropology and music, as well as a Masters in Arts Management. Her rich background in program management, strategic planning, curriculum development and arts program delivery support her work as Arts Education & Outreach Coordinator. Sarah directly manages the Mariposa’s Art program and leads outreach efforts to underserved communities.
Email Sarah at: Sarah; phone: 831.475.9600 x20
|