At its Annual Meeting on September 23, The Rye Arts Center welcomed five new members to its Board of Directors.
At its Annual Meeting on September 23, The Rye Arts Center welcomed five new members to its Board of Directors. Outgoing Board President Eileen Neiman officially handed over the President’s gavel to Jeff Taylor for 2014-16. Returning to the RAC Board are Dr. Andrew Francella and Robert Gambee, bringing the Class of 2017 to a total of seven directors. Joining as its newest members are five Rye residents: Tracey Carter, Fiona Dogan, Jennifer Howard, Suzanna Keith, and Rob Weber.
Tracey Carter is an active member of the RAC Gallery committee and hosted the opening reception for “Edge of the Seat.” She was instrumental in the success of RAC’s 2013-14 events, including Painters On Location and the Sitting Pretty Gala. Tracey is a strong representative for the arts among Rye’s ex-pat community. She is active with Rye High School activities, and has headed up journal sales for the Rye High House Tour. She has been a RAC music school family member for a number of years and her children are involved in performing arts at the high school.
Fiona Dogan is a real estate expert for Julia B. Fee/Sotheby’s International Realty. A graduate of St. Andrews University in Scotland, she has lived in London, Germany, Brooklyn Heights, and Michigan. Fiona is actively involved in numerous community groups, including school PTOs, RCSD Strategic Planning Committee, Children’s Philanthropy section of the Woman’s Club of Rye, the Rye YMCA, Rye Recreation, Rye Free Reading Room, and Rye Historical Society. She manages her children’s youth sports teams (soccer and ice hockey) and spends her downtime with yoga, skiing, kick boxing, cooking, and international travel. Fiona completed her first Westchester triathlon last month.
Jennifer Howard, owner and principal designer at JWH Design & Cabinetry, joins the RAC to assist with its five-year strategic plan as well as current renovation projects Jennifer has been designing residential and commercial spaces for almost 20 years. She is involved with the Chamber of Commerce, the Rye Y, Carver Center and Sole Ryeders. In neighboring communities, JWH partnered with World Cares Center in rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Sandy in the Rockaways. As a Rye native, current resident, business owner, and mother of five, Jennifer has long ties to the community. She is looking forward to being part of the future of The Rye Arts Center and has already designed the new STEM+Arts makerspace at the RAC as well as the preschool arts room.
Suzanna Keith, Account Director at Crisp Media, is an experienced marketing professional whose expertise includes researching consumer insights and building on these insights to drive long-term strategic direction in all aspects of brand management. Prior to starting her own consulting company Skconcepts, Suzanna served as Brand Manager for Mitchum AP at Revlon in New York City. Originally from Bristol, Tenn., Suzanna graduated from Bryn Mawr College and received her MBA in Marketing from New York University. Growing up with parents and grandparents that are artists, Suzanna is excited to further foster her love of the arts by joining the Board. Suzanna and Andrew Keith have three children who have participated in the RAC’s theater and STEM+Arts classes.
Rob Weber lives in Rye along with his wife Nicole and their two boys. Rob has been a career investment banker and is currently a Managing Director at BMO Capital Markets in New York City. Rob is actively engaged in the community, including as a coach for Rye Youth lacrosse and soccer and other volunteer programs. Between work and raising the boys, Rob finds time to travel with his family, ski, bike, and enjoy other weekend warrior sports. Rob has been active in community arts programs and shares a community vision and excitement towards broadening the reach, partnerships and funding for RAC’s growing programs and capabilities.
