Meet Our Staff

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Alexis Sarah

Alexis manages Early Learning, Poetry Out Loud, Washington State Wolf Trap, and serves as the agency Accessibility Coordinator.

Alexis Sarah

Project Manager | Arts in Education

360.228.6359

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Meet Our Board

Rep. Sharon Wylie

Vancouver

Sharon Wylie has served in the State House of Representatives since 2011. She worked in management and government relations for 30 years. She serves as first vice chair on the House Transportation Committee, and holds seats on the Finance, the Rules, and the Technology & Economic Development Committees. Sharon is an enthusiastic painter of oil portraits and values the art and culture of Washington State. She considers art and music to be critical in education and community development and for personal growth and joy. (Appointed June 2019)

Sen. Lisa Wellman

Mercer Island

Lisa Wellman represents Mercer Island, Newcastle, Beaux Arts, and parts of Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Renton. She was elected in 2016 after a 25-year career in technology and marketing. Lisa served as Vice-President of the creative markets for Apple Computer. Lisa was once a kindergarten teacher. She chairs the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. She’s a mentor for MBA candidates at the Foster Business School at the University of Washington. She earned a BA degree from Barat College. Lisa is an avid photographer and has exhibited in Washington and California. (Appointed February 2017)

Krishna Thiagarajan

Seattle

Krishna Thiagarajan is an international consultant and cultural leader with 25+ years of experience guiding orchestras and multidisciplinary institutions worldwide. As CEO of the Seattle Symphony, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, he has collaborated with leading artists from Yo-Yo Ma to Tom Hanks. His expertise spans international fundraising, artistic strategy, organizational transformation, and major capital projects. A passionate advocate for connecting the arts with politics and business, he now advises institutions globally through Krishna Thiagarajan Consulting. (Appointed July 2022)

Star Rush

Redmond/Kirkland

Star Rush has held faculty and administration appointments at colleges and university in Washington state. She has taught writing, American Literature, and creative writing. Star earned her master’s degree in English Studies, Nonfiction, from Western Washington University. Star has served as Interim President and Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs for Cornish College of the Arts. Her photography has appeared in the United States, London, the Netherlands, and Europe. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in Hawaii Review, Fireweed, and others. She currently runs her company, MixMuse Media. (Appointed July 2023)

Bennyroyce Royon

Seattle

Bennyroyce worked as a professional dancer and choreographer in New York City for over 10 years. He is the Producing Artistic Director of Bennyroyce Dance, a project-based contemporary dance company that delivers professional, high-caliber, and inspiring dance experiences through performances, workshops, classes, and community events. He is currently the Social, Arts, and Culture Program Manager at the Filipino Community of Seattle. (Appointed July 2024)

Charlie Robin

Yakima

Charlie Robin is CEO of the Capitol Theatre Committee in Yakima, Washington. A native of St. Louis, he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, studying both business and vocal music. He served as Executive Director at the Edison Theatre and adjunct faculty teaching arts management at Washington University. He has run  an actual circus and a nationally touring a cappella octet. He also co-founded and managed a computer software development company for the healthcare industry. Knitting and singing are his two most obsessive passions.​  (Appointed July 2019)

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