Board & Staff

Board of Directors

Luther F. Black, President
Marine Environmental Analyst

Harvey Niebulski, M.D., Vice President
Radiologist, Group Health Cooperative

Ann Suter, Vice President
Principle, Prizma

Michael Richardson, Secretary
Professor of Radiology, University of Washington

Don Morgan, Treasurer
Retired Hospitality Manager

Kim Camara, Seattle Public Schools Native Education Program; Native American arts/cultural project developer/grant writer

Lara D. Clark, Arts and Education Project Manager

Teresa I. Davis, Communications and Marketing Professional

Rafael Maslan, Licensed Massage Practitioner

Karen Shaw, Psychologist, Cultural Organization Leader

Tammy M. Sittnick, Attorney, Microsoft

Susan Songer, Traditional Arts Practitioner

Karen White, Dance Aficionado and former City Code Compliance Director

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Northwest Folklife is an independent nonprofit which produces the annual Northwest Folklife Festival and other year-round programming in order to strengthen communities through arts and culture.

We are currently seeking potential candidates for board committees and director positions. Board members with financial, fundraising, legal and marketing expertise are being sought, as well as those who can provide connections to Folklife communities and/or companies. We are also recruiting non-board participation in committees including Marketing, Development, and Finance. All positions require a monthly commitment of time for meetings, individual work and attendance at a variety of events. 

Are you interested in helping govern Folklife’s present and planning for our future? Please click here to read background materials for board prospects and committee descriptions. If you are interested in being considered for board membership, or would like more information, please write to boardrecruitment@nwfolklife.org. 

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Staff

To contact staff, please use the links below, or email folklife@nwfolklife.org.

Breanna Binder
Sponsorship Coordinator
I love how Northwest Folklife creates year-around opportunities for the community to enjoy local music and folk art. I enjoy getting company’s involved with the organization and I can’t wait to experience my first Northwest Folklife Festival in 2013! When I am not coordinating sponsorships, I am working to SAVE THE FROGS! and volunteering with local charities.
breanna @ nwfolklife.org

 

Michael Chandler
Production Director
Folklife is one of the few all-ages, FREE events that people from all walks of life can enjoy; making that happen is a good thing. I also work at many other arts festivals and events in town. I am a photographer, a screen printer, and a professional enabler.
mike @ nwfolklife.org

 

Ryan Davis
Marketing Manager
I am excited to get to know the world of Folklife. When I can pull myself away from spreading the word about the organization, I enjoy movies, hiking, sewing, swimming and seeing the country in my Volkswagen camper.
ryan @ nwfolklife.org

 

Debbie Fant
Deputy Director
I’m lucky to get to meet extraordinary people—performers and community members—who are passionate about their arts, heritage, and cultures.  Off-hours I read, listen to audio books, noodle on the banjo uke and juggle cats and chickens.
debbie @ nwfolklife.org

 

Kelli Faryar
Programs Manager
I love learning everyday about new cultures, traditions, instruments and local performers.  I enjoy roller skating to Olivia Newton-John records, decoupage and rockin’ out on the guitar.
kelli @ nwfolklife.org

 

Christina Halverson
Volunteer Coordinator
I am excited to be back at Folklife for another Festival devoted to celebrating arts and culture! In my spare time, I love adventuring, crafting and gardening!
christinah @ nwfolklife.org

 

Sue Masser
Development Coordinator
Having been involved with Folklife over 30 years as a band wife, face painter, volunteer and stage manager, it’s wonderful to be working with such a talented, dedicated group to produce the annual Folklife Festival.  In my spare time, I’m a professional stagehand, lab rat and crazy cat lady.  With the time that’s left, I enjoy gardening, cooking, and sleeping.
sue @ nwfolklife.org

 

Annie O’Dowd
Operations Manager
I relish the “choose your own adventure” aspect of Folklife. When I am not logisticizing for Folklife, you can find me organizing several other festivals at Seattle Center and drinking tea!
anne @ nwfolklife.org

 

Phil O’Sullivan
Development Director
I’m so proud to be a part of the longstanding Northwest tradition that is Folklife. Northwest Folklife’s vision to strengthen communities through arts in culture is one that I support and am proud to work for everyday.
phil @ nwfolklife.org

 

Allison Preisinger
Programming Intern
I’m very excited to be a part of this year’s Folklife Festival as programming intern! When I’m not creating, learning about or performing music I’m out on a run, reading, hiking or spending time with my family!
anne @ nwfolklife.org

Michelle Demers Shaevitz
Programs Coordinator
My favourite thing about Folklife is that it lives at the intersection of music and community where wonderful people and fabulous music co-exist. I love its diversity, accessability and openess to traditions – new and old.In my non-Folklife time, you’ll find me cooking, cheese adventuring, wandering or working at other NW and Canadian Folk Festivals.
michelle @ nwfolklife.org

 


Beth Schlansky
Office & Information Coordinator
The Northwest Folklife Festival is my favorite event of the year. I love getting to see all my friends from various parts of the country and the world. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering for cat rescue organizations and being a season ticket holder for both the Seattle Opera and the Seattle Mariners.
beth @ nwfolklife.org

 

Bruce Sielaff
Director of Operations & Technology
My favorite things about Folklife (the festival and the organization) are its supportive, collaborative spirit, its energetic sense of mission, and the falafels.  Outside of work, I enjoy (in ascending order) cooking, playing music, reading, running, fencing, and spending time with family and friends.
bruce @ nwfolklife.org

 

Judy Terreberry
Controller
Bio coming soon!
judy @ nwfolklife.org

 

Rob Townsend
Executive Director
Creating opportunities for folks to come together in the enjoyment and celebration of arts at Folklife is a great privilege.  The odd off hours might find me walking, woodworking or spending time with family and friends.
rob @ nwfolklife.org

 

Serenity Wise
Programs Coordinator
Folklife has been part of my life since I was a child. I have been a spectator, performer, and now I’m thrilled to be behind the scenes helping to make the festival part of your life! Being a bit of an introvert, I’m not inclined to write a ton about myself here. But in a few words: dance, travel, and history!
serenity @ nwfolklife.org