Join us in welcoming our new board members, as of January 2025!
Carissa Burkett (she/her), Executive Director, North Pole Studio: Carissa is a multimedia artist, curator, and nonprofit arts administrator. Her 12 years of arts experience started at Project Grow, an art studio and urban farm that supported adults with disabilities. She led arts programs at the Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg and directed Third Angle New Music before joining North Pole Studio in 2023. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I wanted to get more involved in advocacy and be sure that arts and culture organizations serving folks with disabilities are included in the advocacy conversation.”
Gabriella Calicchio (she/her), Executive Director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Gabriella joined OSF in 2024, bringing more than 30 years of arts leadership experience. Her career has been shaped by a passion for arts advocacy, strategic planning, organizational growth, and community engagement. Before joining OSF, she directed cultural services for Marin County, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. She also led Marin Theatre Company, Diablo Ballet, and theatre operations at the Smith Center at Ohlone College. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I was involved in arts advocacy efforts in California and believe it is essential to tell our stories and ensure that our elected officials understand how important the arts are for our communities.”
Jennifer Cole (she/her), Jordan Schnitzer Dean, Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University: Jennifer has 30 years of experience in strategic planning, external affairs, program development, academia, and innovation. She leads artists, designers, educators, and students at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Jen was chief of staff and founding director of the National Collaborative for Creative Work at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University and former chief cultural officer of the city of Nashville. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I wanted to join the board to support building a healthy arts ecosystem in Oregon.”
Kimberly Howard Wade (she/her), Executive Director of Caldera: Kimberly leads Caldera, a creative youth development organization. Previously she worked with PGE’s community impact team, was trust manager for the Oregon Cultural Trust, directed the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, led education and outreach for the Artists Repertory Theatre, and has worked as a professional actor. She’s also served as chair of the Oregon State Board of Education, board president of Portland Playhouse, and state rep on the Western States Arts Federation’s Regional Multicultural Advisory Committee. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “To be part of a unified voice for the collective power of Oregon’s arts, heritage, and humanities contribution to the richness of our state.”
Jenn Hartmann Luck (she/her), Producing Artistic Director, Oregon Children’s Theatre: Jenn is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist, educator, director, producer, songwriter/composer, and arts leader who has been working in arts education and children’s theatre for 25 years. Before joining Oregon Children’s Theatre, she led partnerships and programming for education at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, and was on the International Association of Performing Arts for Youth Board of Directors. She loves to create new musical theatre and is passionate about developing new works for families. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I am eager to advocate for arts and culture programming across the state of Oregon, especially funding for arts education and programming for youth and families. It’s important to me that our state leadership understands what a critical moment it is for artists and arts organizations across our state and that we need their support now.”
Dave Moss (he/him), Executive Director, Eugene Symphony Association: Dave is an acclaimed and boldly creative leader with a track record of innovation and impact in the symphonic world. As president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, he expanded programming, launched digital productions, and was recognized as one of Hawai‘i’s Most Admired Leaders by Pacific Business News. A recovering violist, Dave has performed with Itzhak Perlman, Renée Fleming, Kanye West, The Who, and the Broadway cast of Hamilton. He is passionate about making symphonic music more accessible, ensuring orchestras remain vibrant, and fostering the next generation of music lovers. Why he wanted to join the CACO board: “I believe in the power of the arts to bring people together, spark creativity, and strengthen our communities. It’s critical we advocate for sustainable funding and policies that expand opportunities for audiences across Oregon, ensuring the arts remain a thriving and essential part of civic life.”
Rachel Record (she/her), Head of Partnerships, Portland Art Museum: Rachel is an experienced arts nonprofit professional with a background in administration, leadership, and fundraising. She has worked in various development roles at the Portland Art Museum since 2010. As head of partnerships, she leads the expansion of foundation, corporate, and government giving. Rachel also served as development manager and co-interim director for the Northwest Film Center. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “In my career, I have seen the transformative power of the arts to connect and inspire. I’m looking forward to serving the state’s arts and culture organizations as a CACO board member.”
Emily West Hartlerode (she/her), Director, Oregon Folklife Network: Emily is the state folklorist and director of Oregon Folklife Network, the designated partner of the Oregon Arts Commission, housed at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon. Now in her 14th year as a public folklorist, she mentors graduate students while creating community-driven public programs that empower cultural leaders and celebrate Oregon’s many rich and diverse cultural heritages. Emily is leading a multi-state research project assessing the cultural sustainability impact of traditional arts apprenticeships. Why she wanted to join the CACO board: “I want to see Oregon’s arts and culture landscape fully support and integrate traditional arts rooted in community life. I hope to share advocacy skills with cultural leaders and emerging culture workers to foster broad investment in our vibrant cultural practices.”
We also have two ex-oficio members of the board (nonvoting members):
Subashini Ganesan-Forbes (she/her), Chair, Oregon Arts Commission: Subashini is a choreographer, curator, and arts administrator whose contemporary works showcase the nuanced, universal emotive expressions of Bharatanatyam. She founded New Expressive Works, a vibrant performing arts venue that supports diverse independent performing artists through residencies, artist conversations, and performance seasons. She also serves as a Community Advisory Committee member of the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center and as a board member for the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation.
Myong-Hui Murphy (she/her), Board Member, Oregon Cultural Trust: Myong-Hui co-founded Global Art of Dance to give space to the diverse cultures living and thriving in the Beaverton community. As a young immigrant to the United States, she grew up with limited opportunities to immerse herself in the Korean culture and wants to see cultures representing Oregonians available to everyone. She also serves as a Patricia Reser Center for the Arts trustee. She believes culture and arts is a language that speaks to everyone and everyone has an innate ability to understand it.