“Port Angeles is a magnificent place to experience life. Field Arts & Events Hall will rise up and join the majesty of our surrounds, which include the mountains, the Strait, and the people who live in this hearty community.”
Steven Raider–Ginsburg is honored to serve as the Field Arts & Events Hall as the Executive Director. Joining the team in August of 2021 Steven’s work is focused on closing out a $50 million capital campaign and get ready for the grand opening and beyond.
For over two decades, Steven has provided executive leadership to non-profit arts, higher education, civic and philanthropic organizations. Most recently Steven was the Director of the Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities at the University of Saint Joseph, a mission-based, world-class performing arts presenter that receives over 30,000 guests a year.
In 2001, Steven co-founded the award-winning original creation theater company, HartBeat Ensemble. Steven was selected by American Theater magazine as one of 25 young theater artists most likely to influence theater in the next 25 years. He was also recognized as a 2018 State of Connecticut Performing Artist Fellow, and by the Hartford Business Journal on its “40 under 40” list.
Steven is an advisor for the New England Foundation for the Arts National Theater Project and the Ann T. and Edward C. Roberts Foundation. Steven is a member of the 2012 Lincoln Center Directors Lab, holds an M.F.A. in Directing from Boston University, B.A. from Hampshire College, a certificate in Curatorial Practice from Wesleyan University, a certificate in Community and Culture from the Harvard Business School and a certificate in Leadership and Change from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business. He has served on Hartford’s Commission on Cultural Affairs, is a current Fellow at Yale University’s Pierson College, an alumnus of the National Arts Strategies (NAS) Chief Executive Program, and an accredited Executive Leadership Coach for the arts sector.
Steven began his career at New WORLD Theater under the direction of Roberta Uno at UMass Amherst, and then went on to work with some of the nation’s most illustrious theater-makers, including Anna Deveare Smith, Shakespeare and Company, Augusto Boal, Sojourn Theater, The Civilians, and others.
“Hosting Noche Flamenca at Field Hall for their residency preparing their new work Searching for Goya was a magical and unforgettable experience. A highlight was involving three local student dancers, giving them the chance to work and perform alongside these world-class artists.”
Kayla Oakes joined Field Hall as the Director of Education & Community Engagement following her tenure as Executive Director of Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts. Originally from the Central Coast of California, Kayla relocated to Port Angeles from Boise, ID in 2005 and has made it her home ever since with her husband and two children.
Holding a BFA in Dance from the University of California at Santa Barbara, Kayla maintains a unique artistic lens which compliments over 10 years of administrative leadership experience in the performing arts industry. She’s held artistic and operational positions at various organizations and institutions including Boise Contemporary Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Ballet Idaho Academy, Boise State University, Eagle Performing Arts Center, Balance Dance Company and The Ballet Workshop. Through these diverse experiences, Kayla has established an extensive background in nonprofit management, program development, curation, event planning, communications, education outreach, community relations, fundraising and grant writing.
Kayla feels privileged to support FAEH as it unfolds and grows to serve the North Olympic Peninsula through arts education and access. Her passions for community, beauty, education and collaboration are strong and active. Kayla continues to teach modern dance technique for The Ballet Workshop and serves on the Board of Directors for both the Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts and the Port Angeles Education Foundation.
“My favorite event is participating in the Port Angeles Downtown Trick-or-Treat Halloween, I love to see the kids excited to be in the building. I also get to design the lights and special effects, It’s a lot of work, but very rewarding.”
Kendall Mahoney was born in Tacoma, WA and has lived in Washington most of their life. They received their Bachelor of arts at The Evergreen State College with an emphasis in technical theater and psychology. During their time at Evergreen they were hired by the theater department as head electrician. In this role they redesigned and implemented light plots for five different theatrical spaces, designed lights for all of the major campus productions, as well as trained and managed a crew of student workers.
Their first time living on the Olympic Peninsula was in co-founding the Rainforest Lab intentional community in Clallam County off the Bogachiel River. At the Rainforest lab they worked towards building a community that practiced restorative/transformative justice through various means including a variety of conflict resolution and trauma healing practices.
Kendall later came back to the Peninsula to work as assistant technical director for the Jazz festival program and a lead technician for The Centrum Foundations summer seasons.
In their most recent position after the break in live events from the Covid Pandemic, Kendall worked in downtown Tacoma at the beautiful historic theaters, Pantages, Rialto, as well as Theater on the square under Tacoma City Theater leadership. Their position as the swing technician meant that they acted as head lighting, audio, props, and video as needed for various touring shows as well as for productions put on by local resident art organizations. At Tacoma City Theaters they were nominated as the union steward and put their conflict resolution skills to work as an intermediary for IATSE local 15 crew and the management team, addressing concerns from both sides of the table.
Kendall comes to Field Arts & Events Hall with a love of the Olympic Peninsula as well as the desire to build technical skills within the community through partnering with Peninsula College as an adjunct professor. They have seen and experienced first hand how building trade skills and being an integral part of the arts can boost confidence and give a greater sense of purpose in the lives of those touched by it.
“Experiencing Mummenschanz was truly special for me—it’s a reminder of the magic that performing arts bring to our lives and why I’m passionate about working in this field.”
“I look forward to enriching our community through the arts and fostering creative connections.”
Shannon Brunskill was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, where she cultivated a profound love for the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Her career with Southwest Airlines took her to various cities, yet none could rival the beauty and warmth of her native region. In 2007, Shannon transitioned from the airline industry to pursue her passion for art, earning a Master’s of Fine Arts in Glass Sculpture, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Once she discovered glass, her creative pursuits filled her mind, and her former career became less captivating. Although she maintains a connection to aviation through her husband, who still works in the field, her commitment to glass art deepened. By 2012, she and her husband began spending summers on the enchanting Olympic Peninsula, inspired by their experiences at the Pilchuck Glass School. Ultimately, they envisioned making the peninsula their permanent home. In 2024, they purchased a home in Port Angeles, drawn by the area’s revitalization, and began crafting their future. Shannon now joins the Field Arts and Events Hall, leaving behind a beloved role at the Pilchuck Glass School, where she served as Operations Supervisor for the past 3 years. She is excited to build a new community in Port Angeles and get to experience the fulll range of seasons here. In her leisure time, she can often be found foraging for chanterelles in the woods, sewing, or enjoying the company of her husband, Scott, and their two beloved mutts, Donkey and Mac.
“Field Hall is a project that will bring performing arts to the front and center of the Olympic Peninsula. The hall will give the community an opportunity to see wonderful art and performances that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to see.”
Amanda was born and raised in Chehalis Washington. Her family relocated to Port Angeles in 2004 for her husband’s job. She is a mother to three beautiful girls. Amanda is currently a full time, 4.0 student at Northwest Indian College, she will receive her AA in August of this year and complete her BA in Tribal Governance and Business Management fall of 2024.
Amanda comes to us with a Food and Beverage background. She started in the dish pit as a dishwasher and moved up into management/leadership roles. A few of the establishments Amanda has worked at are, 7 Cedars Casino, The Bushwhacker, and The Clearwater Casino. Amanda is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and a Dare to Lead Coordinator (Brene’ Brown – leader of leaders) which has helped her develop successful and profitable F&B departments.
After some time away from the Peninsula to care for her Dad, Amanda returns to Port Angeles to join our team as our Administrative Coordinator. She is looking for a new challenge and is excited about what Field Arts & Events Hall is going to teach her.
Amanda loves to spend time with her family and dogs kayaking, fishing, camping, and spending time at the beach.
“My favorite experience at Field Hall has been meeting many residents of our community.”
“I’ve loved seeing people dress up in costume for our movie nights and sing-alongs. It’s so much fun to watch classic movies on the big screen with a full house of fellow fans.”
Jess Grello was born and raised in rural Maine. She moved to Port Angeles in 2018 with her husband Sam and fell in love with the community. They are currently working on renovating a local church together.
Jess graduated from St. John’s University in New York City with a B.A. in English and Communications. She began working as a marketing consultant for nonprofit arts organizations and developed a niche in Shakespearean performance. Her original children’s play The Twelve Labors of Hercules, was produced as part of Adirondack Shakespeare Company’s 2012 season.
She began her career in development at the Brooklyn Academy of Music where she planned fundraising events. While at BAM, Jess met her husband Sam and they later travelled the country together in search of a permanent home.
Since moving to Port Angeles, Jess has continued to work in nonprofit development, first with Peninsula Behavioral Health and now with Field Arts & Events Hall. During the 2020 pandemic, she took a brief hiatus from Field Hall to manage the One of a Kind Art Gallery in downtown Port Angeles and start Squatchcon Comic & Arts Convention.
“Capturing the energy of Field Hall’s grand opening weekend was an experience I’ll never forget. Watching the community step into the building for the first time, filled with wonder, curiosity, and electric excitement, was pure joy. Moments like these are a powerful reminder of why I’m so passionate about what I do!”
Born and raised in New York, Nora Pitaro discovered her passion for visual storytelling early on. She pursued her love of photography at SUNY New Paltz, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts with a Concentration in Photography. Over the past 15 years, Nora has built a thriving career as a professional photographer, mastering a wide range of styles, from commercial studio work to family, newborn, and event photography.
In the last five years, Nora has expanded her creative expertise into the marketing world, combining her keen photographic eye with innovative strategies to bring stories and brands to life. Her work has taken her across several states to capture corporate events with precision and artistry.
Now based in Port Angeles, after a decade in Seattle, Nora is thrilled to lend her skills to Field Hall and to be a part of this amazing team and the vibrant arts and culture of this community. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys exploring the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula with her husband Stewart, doing yoga, baking snacking cakes, and spending time with their close-knit group of friends.
“My favorite experience at Field Hall (so far!) has to be the Grand Opening in July 2023. Watching the Bandaloop Dancers perform both indoors and outdoors was absolutely awe-inspiring—it felt like pure magic. Unit Souzou’s performance inside the gorgeous theater, with its booming acoustics, was nothing short of phenomenal. Hearing local bands featured throughout the weekend was such a joy and made the celebration even more special and a weekend to remember. I left feeling more grateful than ever to call this place home. Since then, I’ve had the chance to experience so many incredible artists at Field Hall, and it just keeps getting better and better!”
Poet is a first-generation Guatemalan American who grew up in the SF Bay Area when family settled there after the 1976 earthquake. Having a diverse set of life experiences, Poet has enjoyed time as a Park Ranger for the City of San Mateo, a bilingual Program Coordinator for Latino Outdoors, and as an Operations Manager for Gaia Passages. Poet also brings an extensive range of volunteering history with wildlife in the Tom & Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, citizen science with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, and STEAM endeavors such as the L.A.S.T Festival. Poet is grateful to call the Olympic Peninsula home and has enjoyed getting involved with community through theater, sports and food and she is excited to be supporting Field Arts & Events Hall as a committed space for access, inclusivity and creativity.
“Field Arts & Events Hall was built for the community and by the community. The events that will take place will function as a “red carpet” to the front door of our town. It will bring people to our restaurants, hotels, shops, adventure companies, wineries, grocery stores, coffee shops, and so much more. I truly believe that Field Hall will establish Port Angeles as a destination location for conferences and events, allowing even more visitors to enjoy this beautiful place where the mountains meet the sea.”
Ms. Georgia Meyers relocated to Port Angeles in July 2019, by way of Minneapolis, MN. However, she is not new to the Olympic Peninsula. She had the pleasure of working at Lake Crescent Lodge 26 years ago, where she quickly developed life-long friendships. After moving away, Ms. Meyers continued to visit her friends and the splendor of Olympic National Park 3 times a year. She always knew she would move here permanently, and is thrilled to now be an official resident. Since moving back, Ms. Meyers has become heavily involved in the community, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Port Angeles Community Players.
Ms. Meyers is known industry-wide for her ability to take event venues that are having operational issues and turn them around, through her marketing skills, building venue teams, developing policies and procedures, controlling the operational budget, and executing flawless events.
In 1996, she was handpicked to research, develop, and mount a full-service banquet facility in the historic Union Depot in St. Paul, MN. She negotiated many high-end contracts and events, including the traveling Titanic Museum Art Show, The Republican National Convention, music videos with artists such as Prince, and commercials with various production companies including Warner Brothers. She served in this role for 20 years, ending her tenure in 2016. She continued to bring results to the table with both the Great Hall in St. Paul, and the award-winning Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis. Ms. Meyers was then chosen to be Director of Venue Operations for the exciting $15M Bavaria Downs project. She helped in every step of the project, including the design and project management of the renovation. The project involved renovating existing structures, as well as new build construction, including a state-of-the-art ballroom and an outdoor amphitheater. The incredible team she put together created an award-winning facility before the first event took place, winning “Best New Venue” from Minnesota Bride magazine.
“Every performance I have attended or had the privilege of working for has been an extraordinary experience. However, weddings hold a special place in my heart. Being involved in such a momentous occasion—from planning to execution—is truly invaluable and deeply fulfilling.”
Born in Tennessee, Kendra spent her early years traveling with her family before discovering a deep connection to Port Angeles. With a passion for both food and art, she began her career in the culinary industry before transitioning into administration, where she quickly advanced to Manager of a local employment office. This role strengthened her dedication to community engagement and deepened her passion for working with people. Now, as part of the Field Hall team, Kendra is eager to collaborate with her colleagues to bring vibrant artistic experiences to the community and make every event unforgettable.
Coming soon
“My favorite event or experience would have to be the grand opening of the building where the community got to come in and see the building for the first time and also bringing in the community to perform and showing them it was built for them.”
“To me, Field Hall means the opportunity of a lifetime for the community I love.”
Outside of his career, Brooke Taylor is passionate about community. He served 16 years on the YMCA Board of Directors and was a founding member and former President of the Peninsula College Foundation. In 1998, Brooke was honored with the Clallam County Community Service Award.
A native of Clallam County and graduate of Port Angeles High School, Brooke Taylor earned a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, and Juris Doctor Degree from University of Virginia School of Law.
Mr. Taylor practiced law for 38 years in Clallam County, including one term as Prosecuting Attorney. He finished his career in law as Superior Court Judge, a position he was elected to three times. Brooke was elected to serve as President of the 30,000-member Washington State Bar Association in 2005-2006.
“We can all agree Port Angeles is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I see Field Arts & Events Hall as the cornerstone to build a thriving, economically-sound community on those already strong and stunning foundations.”
As the proud owner of two successful businesses and a historic building downtown, Kim Reynolds brings a uniquely applicable skillset to the Field Arts and Events Hall. As an adjunct professor and advisor at the Peninsula Community College, she teaches students enrolled in courses on Hospitality and tourism, demonstrating a dedication to future-industry professionals.
Originally from Southern California, Kim spent 14 years living in Texas where she married her husband and started her first business. After traveling to all four corners of the globe, Kim finally settled in Port Angeles five years ago. Drawn in by the beautiful blues of the Strait and snow-kissed peaks of the Olympic Peninsula, she is staying put thanks to the warm and strength of our community spirit.
Kim has an M.A. in Organizational Management, B.S. in Business, and a B.A. in Management from the University of Redlands, along with an award for leadership from Cambridge University, achieved during a study abroad program. With an evident aptitude for planning and management, Kim’s primary passion is travel. Having experienced cultures and communities around the world, she knows how important it is for residents to have a center where they can come together to celebrate talent, creativity, and innovation.
Back in 2003, Kim launched her own personal meeting planning business named Strategic Meetings Solutions. Specializing in the orchestration of large-scale corporate, government, and non-profit events, this experience offers invaluable expertise to the project, strengthening the smooth-running of all future events at FAEH. With solid business acumen and a knack for analyzing performance metrics, Kim has grown the firm exponentially over the past two decades.
So much so, that in 2017, Kim branched out with a Cruise Planners franchise to support the group travel planning side of business operations. Named Olympic Travel Agency, this successful venture has a reputation for exceptional customer service, prioritizing and anticipating client needs with long-standing travel industry expertise. With FAEH set to put Port Angeles on the map as a vibrant and thriving cultural hub, Kim’s vast knowledge of the tourism industry is sure to help shape an unforgettable experience for visitors and residents alike.
Owing to a lifetime of prosperity in the events, hospitality and tourism field, Kim has collected an assortment of incredible accolades over the years. Featured in Forbes Magazine Texas Women Business leaders and a member of multiple advisory boards in the meetings and travel space, Kim is known for her commitment, passion, and people-focused mindset. Having already volunteered to co-produce the FAEH groundbreaking and co-authored the center’s Marketing Strategy Operations Roadmap, Kim is clearly well-equipped to further serve her community on the board of directors.
Never one to let an opportunity pass her by, Kim’s most recent project has been the purchase and renovation of a historic building in downtown Port Angeles. This commitment to revitalizing the very fabric of our local community is sure to bring immense value to the Field Arts and Events Hall as it develops into an enriching cultural center at the heart of Port Angeles.
“What Field Hall means to me is that residents and visitors on the North Olympic Peninsula will have access to a world class facility for the performing and fine arts that will provide an ongoing economic stimulus for our community.”
Jeanne is a Certified Public Accountant who operated her own tax accounting practice in Sequim for 17 years. She is semi-retired now, mainly working with nonprofit organizations, and she remains as a principal with Cunha & Martin CPAs. Jeanne volunteers much of her free time in the community.
In addition to serving as Treasurer of PAWC, she is Treasurer of the Peninsula College Foundation. She was a co-founder of the Sequim Education Foundation in 2001. She served on the Board of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center for many years and was honored to be designated Trustee Emeritus.
Prior to having her own tax practice in Sequim, Jeanne served as Controller and Chief Financial officer with Tech Sector companies in the San Francisco Bay Area with $30 million to $100 Million in annual revenues. She has extensive experience in finance and administration, including risk management, information systems, intellectual property protection, and a $50M initial public offering of an information systems service bureau.
Jeanne earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California State University East Bay and a she holds a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University.
Jeanne enjoys international travel with her husband Corby Somerville, or just spending time at home with their two cats.
“Field Hall is about an entire community coming together to embrace and realize something that is bigger than any one of us. The Waterfront Center will allow current and future generations of our community to proudly celebrate this shining gem of the Pacific Northwest.”
Born and raised in Port Angeles, Christopher Thomsen graduated Port Angeles High School in 1976 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Martin’s University.
Immediately after graduation, Christopher co-founded and managed a chemical laboratory and manufacturer in Olympia. In 1986, Christopher married Lisa Hille and shortly afterwards, moved to and lived in New Orleans for three years, Kansas City for 26 years and he is now back “home” in Port Angeles.
Christopher has founded or co-founded five different companies and has been awarded two U.S. Patents for his invention of the community and outpatient pharmacy robotic system. Christopher continues to manage The ThomsenGroup Inc., where he is the Founder and President, and Capsa Healthcare where he is a Partner and Vice President.
Christopher Thomsen returned to Port Angeles with the goal of jumping in with both feet, getting his hands dirty, and being able to contribute his creativity, energy, and experience to help others and to make good things happen. He believes that Port Angeles will reach its full potential and become the shining gem that it deserves. Christopher has numerous local affiliations including the Chamber of Commerce, Port Angeles Visitor’s Center, the Port Angeles Education Foundation, North Olympic History Center, North Olympic Land Trust, Jazz in the Olympics, the Port Angeles Waterfront Center, and the National Alumni Board for Saint Martin’s University.
“Field Hall is a world class venue for Arts and Events in a world class location, the Olympic Peninsula! As a community gathering place, Field Hall will be a cornerstone for the future of Port Angeles and Clallam County. The Port Angeles Waterfront Center will create jobs and economic growth while creating a place for cultural and educational experiences in our community.”
Matthew P. “Matt” Deines was born and raised in Washington State. He is married to his wife, Meg and has two children, Mick and Jake. Matt is an unapologetic Seattle sports fan following the Mariners, Huskies and Seahawks and he longs for the day his beloved Seattle Supersonics return to the NBA. He thoroughly enjoys activities such as golf, hiking, walking and scrolling Twitter.
In 2019, he was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of First Fed and its parent First Northwest Bancorp (FNWB). As CEO, Matt is committed to empowering employees, delighting customers, and serving the community by investing in people, products, and digital initiatives.
Before joining First Fed, worked briefly as the CFO of Liberty Bank. Prior to that he spent 16 years with Sound Community Bank where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He received his accounting degree from Loyola Marymount University and MBA from the University of Washington. In 2000, Matt became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Washington. His license is currently inactive.
Matt has a great appreciation for First Federal’s rich legacy in Port Angeles, the Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific Northwest and he is deeply rooted in the community. He currently serves as a board member for Field Hall and is an Executive Committee Member at St. John Evangelist Parish. He also is a member of the Washington Banker’s Association Board and serves as the organization’s Education Committee Chair.
Deines and his family share time between Seattle and Port Angeles, where they spend time at their second home on Lake Sutherland. The wider home base makes it easier to connect with First Fed employees and customers throughout the area.
“Thoughtful growth and improvements for our community is so important. Field Arts and Events Hall and the adjacent new Port Angeles Waterfront Center campus will be a trophy for years to include all people. A credo that I have promoted for many years is: ‘Excellence is Mandatory and Mediocrity is not an Option.’ This will certainly apply to Field Hall and future amazing programs.”
Mark Fischer was born and raised in Port Angeles. He is an alumnus of Jefferson Grade School. Many of his early years were then spent in Oregon, where he went on to received his undergraduate education at Oregon State University, in Corvallis, OR. He started medical school at Oregon Health Sciences Center, in Portland, followed by Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine training and fellowship at San Francisco General Hospital and University of California.
Mark has been living and practicing medicine in Port Angeles since October 1980. His roles at Olympic Medical Center have included Chief of Staff, as well as being a member of the Medical Executive Committee for many years. During his time in Port Angeles, he has also enjoyed helping with many local projects and issues.
Mark has been married to his wife, Jan, for many years. He is blessed with 3 adult children – Jenna, Lindsey, and Rob, and has 10 grandchildren, all of whom he feels are his greatest gifts. Virtually everyone in his family have been immersed in music during their lives, and all enjoy the many outdoor activities and hobbies this area has to offer.
“To watch this transformation before our very eyes in our downtown waterfront is exciting to me and long overdue. It adds to the charm and beauty of our very own Olympic Peninsula that we call home. It is a state-of-the-art venue for fundraising events, weddings, and conferences. Our children, families and community can experience a world class facility in our own back yard for generations to come.”
Casi Fors, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, is the lead financial advisor at Fors Financial Consulting, PS and the face of the firm. In 2002, Casi started her career as an Independent Financial Advisor. This was during uncertain times and an uncertain market. Having a good understanding of investment risks and management she took this opportunity to educate her clients in planning for these unstable markets. Subsequent rough economic hardships have made her steadfast in educating and life planning to empower her clients to pursue long-term financial security and confidence.
Her wide breadth of experience and her wealth of knowledge skillfully guides the office. As a fee-based asset management advisor her specialties include private wealth management, work with charitable foundations, Donor Advised Funds, 401(k)/403(b) and small business retirement investment strategies.
Casi is actively involved in civic services and leadership. She serves on the Kiwanis Club, Field Arts & Event Hall board, the Olympic Medical Center Foundation board, is a past member of the Peninsula Tennis Club and has over 20 years with Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball, to name a few. A life-long resident of Port Angeles, she is well-known and highly regarded throughout the community. Married with two grown children, Casi loves spending her free time with her family, playing with her five grandchildren. She loves exploring the PNW on hiking trails and is an avid crossfitter.
“I was raised in a family and culture that loves music. Growing up, my brother and I knew the words to all the popular Broadway musicals. We also enjoyed performing in musicals. My sons continue the tradition by playing the violin and alto sax. My husband sings with the Peninsula Men’s Gospel Singers. So, it was very exciting to learn about a world class performing arts center being planned for right here in Port Angeles. In addition, the center promises to make an enormous difference in the downtown, drawing people and businesses. I am deeply impressed with the vision and imagination of those who have brought us this far as well as the commitment of the community.”
Pili was born and raised in Hawaii, which explains her name. Her family moved to Eugene, OR just before she finished high school. Pili went to Mills College in Oakland, CA where she majored in Government. She moved to Port Angeles in the late 70’s and has called this home ever since. She loves the beauty of the area as well as how its isolation has encouraged creativity in those who choose to live here which has produced a lively arts community.
Pili recently retired as a Realtor and International Real Estate Speaker. Besides her busy career on the Olympic Peninsula listing and selling real estate, she was very active in the Realtor Association at the local, state, national and international levels. She was honored with the Instructor of the Year by the Washington Realtors twice and by the King County Association of Realtors. She was awarded Realtor of the Year by the Port Angeles Association of Realtors and the Washington Realtors. Real estate activity took Pili around this country and to Malaysia, South Korea, the Philippines, and the Czech Republic where she was a liaison between the National Association of REALTORS and the real estate associations of those countries.
Besides enjoying and participating in music, her family has had another strong tradition—community service. Both of her parents were president of their Rotary Club (at different times), and Pili has been an active member of Soroptimist International of Port Angeles. Pili and her husband are long time members of Independent Bible Church, where she serves as a Deaconess.
“I am hopeful that past and present Clallam County residents will invest in Field Hall, which will be a monumental anchor for our region.”
Gail’s story starts with her parents June and F. MacRae Thomson who moved to Port Angeles in 1960. Mac was the mill manager for Peninsula Plywood and an influential leader. Beyond providing jobs, the mill provided a sense of pride for many Peninsula residents, including Gail’s family and her husband’s relatives. With the falling of the mill stack, Gail is hopeful that new waterfront development will trigger the continuation of the mill’s legacy, provide a sense of pride, and improve the economic conditions of the community.
As Co-Chair of PAWC’s Capital Campaign, Gail is organizing fundraising efforts and educating people on the importance and value of the center to the community.
Gail sits on the Hospital Foundation Board of Directors where her primary role is fundraising. To many, she is known as a top duck seller, selling tickets for the Peninsula Duck Derby. She was instrumental in creating the Teddy Bear Tea and has chaired multiple committees for the Festival of Trees. Gail co-founded a Port Angeles Children’s Hospital Guild, which raised money to assist with the payment of care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Gail is a graduate of Western Washington University and works as an Assistant Appraiser for Clallam County with 23 years of experience. She is married with three children and three grandchildren. She enjoys swimming in Lake Crescent, traveling the world, caring for others, and continuing her own education through music, lectures, and conferences.
“As a member of the Board of Field Hall, I am honored to be part of our community of supporters to help create what will become a solid anchor for the arts, business and community events, and a great asset to the Olympic Peninsula and the State of Washington.”
Scott Scherer was born in St. Louis, Missouri, spent many years working for Boeing in Seattle, Washington, and moved to Port Angeles, Washington in 2016 where he has become an announcer at KSQM. Scott spends his spare time enjoying arts and cultural activities including music, theater and ballet. He also enjoys outdoor time as a dog owner, a bird hunter and motorcyclist.
Scott is the winner of Airfinance Journal’s lifetime achievement award for his dedication to the aviation finance sector and notably the Cape Town Treaty, which is intended to standardize the transactions involving movable property on the international stage.
During his professional career, Scott helped to found the Aviation Working Group, an international industry organization dedicated to developing policies and regulations to facilitate advanced aviation financing. Previously he led an industry coalition in successful efforts to amend Section 1110 of the US Bankruptcy Code to improve the ability of US airlines to raise aircraft financing. He also played a leading role in negotiating a new Aircraft Sector Understanding (ASU) agreement.
Most recently, Scott served as the senior executive focused on policy and regulatory strategies associated with the aircraft financing mission of Boeing Capital Corporation (BCC). He was responsible for arranging, structuring, and providing financing solutions to customers of Boeing products. Previously Scherer had served as vice-president and general manager for BCC’s Aircraft Financial Services organization. Before that role, he was vice-president of customer financing for Boeing and as director – finance and business management for Boeing’s 737/757 programs and as assistant treasurer – customer financing.
Scherer holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Texas A&M University. He also participated in the master of business administration program at Seattle University. An active community volunteer, Scherer serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Sequim Community Broadcasting. Prior, Scott served as a governing board member for the UNIDROIT Foundation, the Dutch-based, not-for-profit funding arm of UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law) that helps support programs to harmonize international laws
and assists developing countries to modernize their laws. Regionally Scherer was a member of the governing board of trustees for the Pacific Northwest Ballet and also is a past president of the King County, Wash. board of the American Heart Association, and past corporate chair of the Association’s Puget Sound Heart Walk.
“Field Arts & Event Hall will not only be an incredible asset for the arts community, it will go much further than that. It will be a boon to the downtown and to the economy, generating much needed revenue and jobs for the City.”
Bruce Skinner is a highly regarded consultant to the sports and special events industry with vast experience, entering his 48th year in the business.
He served as the Executive Director of the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona, (1980-1990) after serving as Assistant Executive Director for seven years (1973-1980). He then went on to serve as the President of the International Festivals and Events Association (1990-2001).
He is the author of the book, The Complete Guide to Selling Event Sponsorship, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., of New York, and is the founder of the highly successful Arizona Rock n Roll Marathon in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Rock n Roll Marathons and Half Marathons in Seattle and San Antonio. The 2004 race was the largest first time running event in history, with over 29,000 participants.
Known as the “Bowl Director of the 80’s,” Skinner was instrumental in the Fiesta Bowl’s successful bid to crack the New Year’s Day bowl-game lineup, moving the game to January 1st in 1982. In 1985, the bowl signed a landmark agreement with Sunkist Growers to serve as title sponsor. The title sponsorship was a first for a Bowl game, and served as a model which bowls and most other sporting and event organizations later followed.
During a period when many schools were independent and not affiliated with a conference, the Bowl staged two national championships during a three year span –
the 1987 game pitted Penn State vs. Miami, and the 1989 contest featured Notre Dame vs. West Virginia. The former was the most-watched college football game of all time.
He also was the Chief Revenue Officer for the 2016 College Football National Championship Game that was held in Phoenix in January of 2016.
Skinner has served as the Executive Director of the Olympic Medical Center Foundation in Port Angeles, Washington, for the past 31 years, producing six fundraising events annually. He also has served as the Executive Director of the Washington Festivals and Events Association since 2017.
“I am inspired by the forward progress of PAWC. The Field Hall project directly results in a positive economic infusion through the conversion of underutilized vacant parking lots into a vibrant community activity center. The conference center component will create a new venue capturing new economic growth year-round, but, most importantly in the winter season. The campus approach transforms a key location of our Downtown into a property full of arts, culture, sciences and environmental stewardship all of which further enable our local businesses to thrive.”
In his free time, Nathan West enjoys time with his wife, children and their many animals, and working on home projects. Nathan is currently the City Manager for the City of Port Angeles. Prior to taking this position Nathan was responsible for the Community and Economic Development Department of the City. Before coming to the Port Angeles area, Nathan managed the Policy Development Section of the Cayman Islands Government Planning Department.
In Washington State Nathan has worked creatively to address regulatory requirements and land use barriers. In the Caymans, Nathan was part of the Governor’s Vision 2008 Round Table developing a strategy for the sustainable development in multiple community assessments including American Institute of Architects Sustainable Design Assessment Teams (SDAT) and Your Town Design Workshops for jurisdictions throughout the U.S.
Nathan earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Willamette University and a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Tennessee. Nathan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
This Giving Stock Thursday, consider making a gift of appreciated stock to Field Arts & Events Hall. Your investment helps us bring transformative performances, community events, and opportunities for creativity to Port Angeles—all while offering potential tax benefits for you.
Turn your stocks into a lasting impact on the arts!
The Waterfront Coffee Bar at Field Hall will also be closed on Saturday, November 30th.
The Estill & Reba Cornett Box Office and Field Hall Gallery will be open on Saturday, November 30th from 10AM – 2PM for Small Business Saturday.
Special discounts and holiday treats available in person on November 30th.