Twenty-three commissioners make up ArtsWA’s Board of Commissioners. Nineteen are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor. Four commissioners are appointed by the Legislature (two from the House, two from the Senate). Terms generally begin with the first meeting of the fiscal year, which takes place in August.
Each new commissioner receives orientation training that introduces them to ArtsWA programs and policies. This training includes a series of webinars and an in-depth information toolkit.
We encourage board participation that reflects Washington’s artistic, geographic, and culture diversity. If you are interested in joining the ArtsWA board, please apply online at the Governor’s Boards and Commission website.
Meet Our Board
Robin Avni is a creative strategist engaged in the development of collaborative education projects as well as community cultural programs. She’s had an extensive career in the design and high-tech industries. Robin has served on several national and local boards and commissions including the 4Culture Board of King County, the Bellevue Arts Commission, and is currently a member of the Gig Harbor Arts Commission. In her spare time, she is a novice printmaker. Robin lives in Gig Harbor with her husband, has three grown children and one amazing granddaughter. (Appointed August 2019)
Mary is an Indigenous entrepreneur. She is enrolled with the Colville Confederated Tribe; Wenatchi, Moses, Entiat and is a descendant of the Blackfoot Tribe. She co-owns 3 small businesses with her husband in Wenatchee. Key to their mission is to amplify Indigenous artists. She is also the founder & Chair of the Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation. (Appointed July 2024)
Michael is the Executive Director of the Thurston County Economic Development Council. As well as being an experienced and respected leader in the field of economic development, Michael is well versed in the arts and creative economy as drivers of healthy, well-balanced communities. (Appointed July 2024)
A lifelong Tri-Citian, Rep. April Connors represents the 8th District in the state House of Representatives. In addition to her legislative work, Connors is an accomplished residential real estate professional. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Washington State University and previously worked as a legal assistant, where she played a key role in drafting and maintaining city codes. (Appointed May 2025)
Jackson is the Executive Director of the national film preservation organization, the American Genre Film Archive, a 501(c)3 nonprofit with the world’s largest collection of genre films. His diverse experience as well as his perspective on the critical needs of nonprofits, artists, arts organizations, and creatives bring valuable insight. (Appointed July 2024)
Lou Oma Durand recently completed 16 years as Executive Director of WA State Services for the Blind. In that role, and as a Cabinet member, she worked with citizens of all ages with a range of disabilities, assisting them to gain skills, develop careers , get jobs, start small businesses, and become active members of their communities. She worked statewide with local businesses, K-12 schools, higher ed institutions, large and small employers, the Tribes, and many community organizations. Lou Oma has long been active in the arts community producing literary and music events, both live and for public radio, and serving on a variety of arts boards. (Appointed July 2022)
Tony Ginn is a well-respected actor, musician, businessman, investigative reporter and editor, black historian, adjunct professor, author and public servant with a major emphasis on mentoring youth. He is CEO and Founder of Amalgamated Cinema & Entertainment, as well as Co-Founder of the SAG/AFTRA American Scene National Award. Anthony is the first and only black person in the history of www.ContinentalWhosWho.com to be recognized in the Arts and Entertainment Category as a Lifetime Member. Raised by his grandfather, ragtime composer Joe Jordan, he grew up in Tacoma, WA, immersed in music, theater, and all genres of the arts. He believes that art is timeless and ageless, and has spent his life creating art of all forms. (Appointed July 2023)
Chonchol is based in Spokane. He is a globally recognized innovator and entrepreneur in the fields of fintech, insuretech, and advanced corporate ratings. He is an SME finance expert, a trusted consultant to both foreign and domestic government financial organizations, and an advisor to public and private financial institutions. (Appointed July 2024)
Claudia Castro Luna is an Academy of American Poets Poet Laureate fellow (2019), WA State Poet Laureate (2018 – 2021) and Seattle’s inaugural Civic Poet (2015-2018), the author of One River, A Thousand Voices (Chin Music Press), the Pushcart nominated Killing Marías (Two Sylvias Press) also shortlisted for WA State 2018 Book Award in poetry, and the chapbook This City (Floating Bridge Press). Her most recent non-fiction can be found in There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis (Vintage). Born in El Salvador, she came to the United States in 1981. Living in English and Spanish, Claudia writes and teaches in Seattle on unceded Duwamish lands where she gardens and keeps chickens with her husband and their three children. (Appointed July 2021)
Jasmine Mahmoud is Assistant Professor in Theatre History and Performance Studies at the University of Washington. A performance historian, her work engages the Pacific Northwest arts sector, racial equity, and cultural policy. Jasmine has worked as a musician, theater artist, arts critic, and as a TeenTix Mentor and Teaching Artist. She serves as Board Vice President of On the Boards. She earned her PhD in Performance Studies from Northwestern University, MA in Arts Politics from NYU, and BA in Government from Harvard College. (Appointed July 2020 to July 2023)
Tisa Matheson is a member of the Nez Perce Tribe and is originally from Lenore, Idaho. She has an MLIS from San Jose State University specializing in cultural records. She has been the American Indian Collection Curator at the NW Museum and Arts Center in Spokane since 2001. Tisa is dynamic and thoughtful, a champion of native arts and heritage. (Appointed July 2022)
Terry Morgan’s Modern Enterprises is one of the most successful minority owned event Production Companies in Washington State. He has been serving clients since 1979 providing talent, production and technical services for cities, corporate clients, and civic occasions. He has a long history of performing arts presenting and performance, as well being immersed in the state’s creative economy as an active participant. (Appointed July 2022)
Noël Moxley came to Yakima in 1995 to stay for 2 years and stayed thanks to getting involved in the community immediately. Noël started as the administrator of Central Washington Orthopedics and later became the Executive Director of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. Noël has served on many boards, including United Way and both the city of Yakima and the Washington State Arts Commissions. Noël is currently on the board of Community Health of Central Washington, Tieton Arts and Humanities and Friends of Boxx Gallery. Noël is a fused glass artist. Noël has been involved with Rotary for over 20 years and all the projects that includes, and has traveled the world with Habitat for Humanity. Today Noël enjoys their home, garden, dog and reading as well as the city of Yakima and ArtsWA. (Appointed July 2023)
Catherine brings to ArtsWA her diverse background in dance, theatre, film and architecture and design. Currently the Executive Director at Velocity Dance Center in Seattle, she has supported the arts by serving as a grants’ panelist for ArtsWA and facilitator for the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture. She also serves on the board of Khambatta Dance Company and is a King Street Station Advisor. Previously the Program Manager for Arts and Development at 501 Commons, she consulted with arts and other non-profit organizations to increase their organizational capacity. (Appointed July 2020 to July 2023)
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)
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)
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)
Krishna Thiagarajan joined the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall as President & CEO in September 2018. Prior to joining the Seattle Symphony, he was Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), leading the organization through a period of significant growth while defining their international reputation. Krishna is a strong believer in cross-cultural collaborations and diversifying voices in classical music. Krishna brings a very experienced arts voice from one of our state’s flagship arts organizations to the Arts Commission, as well as a voice well versed in equity and inclusion. (Appointed July 2022)
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)
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)
FY 2024 Executive Committee
- Chair: Charlie Robin, Yakima County, Central Region
- 1st Vice Chair: Robin Avni, Pierce County, Southwest Region
- 2nd Vice Chair: Jasmine Mahmoud, King County, Northwest Region
- At Large: Tisa Matheson, Spokane County, Eastern Region
- Advocacy Chair: Krishna Thiagarajan, King County, Northwest Region
- At Large: Lou Oma Durand, Pierce County, Southwest Region
FY 2024 Advocacy Committee
- Chair: Krishna Thiagarajan, King County, Northwest Region
- Robin Avni, Pierce County, Southwest Region
- Anthony (Tony) Ginn, Pierce County, Southwest Region
- Noël Moxley, Yakima County, Central Region
- Justin Raffa, Benton County, Eastern Region
- Charlie Robin, Yakima County, Central Region
- Karen Hanan
- Annette Roth
- Michael Wallenfels
2025 Board Meetings
Tuesday, February 4: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 5: 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, November 6: 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information about upcoming Board meetings, please click here