President: Bert Roper
“Hey, guys, let’s put on a play!” That enthusiastic call was a hallmark of Bert’s early passion for the performing arts. From organizing neighborhood parades and pageants as a child—both on holidays and just for fun— he has always been drawn to creative expression and community engagement. That lifelong love for the stage is what led him to become a dedicated member of the Madera County Arts Council. Since moving to California in the early 1990s, Bert has been an active presence in the regional arts scene, performing in 18 operas with Townsend Opera Players/Opera Modesto, 29 Shakespeare productions with Merced ShakespeareFest, 27 productions with Playhouse Merced, and 4 productions with the Bee Kay Theater in Tehachapi. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Bert is also a former U.S. Army Chaplain and a retired United Methodist pastor. Today, he is enjoying “happily ever after” alongside his wonderful, beautiful, and brilliant wife, Sue First.
Secretary: Dianne Rich
Dianne Rich has been active with the Madera County Arts Council since the early 1990s, taking various roles on the Board of Directors including President, Vice-President, and Secretary. Additionally, Dianne has led many successful fundraising drives, including the annual gala. She has been a long-time resident of Madera County since the 1980s. Dianne frequently spends time with her three grandchildren, her son, and her daughter-in-law. Dianne was drawn to the arts council because of her love of the arts, especially the performing arts. She believes that a vibrant art scene connects the community and benefits all residents.
Treasurer: Carol Moses
General Board:
Jeff Dal Cerro
Jeff Dal Cerro was born and raised in Madera, returning to the community full-time in 2013 after college and a career in the Bay Area. Jeff earned his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and his graduate degree at the University of California College of Law in San Francisco. The bulk of his legal career has been spent working as a prosecutor, first in the criminal courts and later with the State Bar of California disciplining misbehaving lawyers. Jeff is also a Planning Commissioner for the County of Madera and a member of the Board of Directors of CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties. Jeff loves Madera County, especially the diversity of its population and geography. A left-brain thinker by nature, Jeff appreciates learning to see the world through the creative eyes of the wonderful artists affiliated with MCAC.
Lele Gillespie
Socorro Goodacre
Socorro Ancheta-Goodacre is a seasoned licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years as a mental health therapist with a passion for community connection by expanding the minds of the young through art. As one of the board members of the Madera Art Council, she can volunteer and chair the annual Art Gala for fundraising. All proceeds are utilized in Madera County to help young people enjoy art and theatre.
Nicole Hoke
Linette Lomeli
Linette Lomeli serves as the Executive Director of the Madera Coalition for Community Justice (MCCJ), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity and empowering underserved communities in California’s Central Valley. Under her leadership, MCCJ has strengthened its role as a catalyst for grassroots advocacy, civic engagement, and policy change in the areas of environmental justice, economic equity, and public health. With a deep commitment to social justice, Linette has spearheaded initiatives that amplify community voices and drive meaningful systemic change. She has also collaborated with local and state leaders—such as California State Senator Anna Caballero—to advocate for consumer protection reforms and equitable access to critical resources.
Dr. Julie O’Kane
Chris Parich
Full Board Meetings:
Third Wednesday of the month (except July and December)
at Madera County Arts Council