Executive Board of Directors:
President: Dr. Julie O’Kane
Dr. Julia O’Kane joined the Board of MCAC in 2008. Retired Superintendent, Madera Unified School District. I am most proud of the arts opportunities we are now able to provide for children. The arts are a valuable part of life and culture. We have made great strides in our services to the people of Madera County.
Vice 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
Treasurer: Carol Moses
Carol Moses has been a MCAC Board member since 2015. She is a transplant from Salinas, California by way of a 25-year stint in Yosemite National Park as a Park Ranger. She
currently resides in Oakhurst. Ms Moses is a retiring criminal defense attorney. She received a BS in Agricultural Economics, with a minor in Equine Science from CSUF and a JD from San Joaquin College of Law. She spends her free time serving on three non-profit boards, mastering the art of
sourdough, skiing, hiking, and backpacking. She is owned by three feral cats. While not an artist per se, she enjoys and appreciates the creative stimulation the art community in Madera County, especially Eastern Madera County, exudes.
Secretary: 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.
General Board:
Dr. Martha Mossman
Chris Parich
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.
Full Board Meetings:
Third Wednesday of the month (except July and December)
at Madera County Arts Council