Over the last year, our Board of Trustees has strengthened the processes by which it stewards, oversees, resources, and champions OBT. Working with nonprofit legal counsel at Stoel Rives, the Good Governance project has resulted in new by-laws, articles of incorporation, job descriptions, and policy manual.

Five impressive community leaders have recently joined our Board, bringing a wealth of professional and community expertise to us. All five also bring a passion for OBT’s mission and a personal connection to our work.

 

Lauren Thibodeaux

*Vice President, Global Employment Counsel, Nike
*Communications Co-Chair, Nike Black Employee Network
*Former Assistant General Counsel, DIRECTV
*Former Board Member, John M. Langston Bar Association

Lauren fell in love with the art and athleticism of dance after attending a show by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company at 10 years old and being mesmerized by the ability and strength of the dancers and the artistry of the movement.

 

Elizabeth Gewecke

*Former Board President, Oregon Episcopal School
*Former Product Manager, Yahoo!, Intuit, other Silicon Valley start ups
*MBA, Harvard School of Business
*OBT subscriber and supporter for 15 years with her husband, Thomas

Elizabeth considers ballet to be her favorite and most inspirational art form.

 

 

Adriane Blackman

*Teacher, English as a Second Language
*Alumni, OBT School
*Former Co-Owner, Elemental Technologies
*Mom, 14 and 15 year-old sons

Adriane stared dancing at age 3 and eventually found her way to the professional training program at Pacific Northwest Ballet and then Oregon Ballet Theatre. She believes that the arts are integral to a well-rounded citizenry and soul and that OBT brings a level of excellence and culture to the community.

 

Nolan Lienhart

*Principal and Director of Planning & Urban Design, ZGF Architects
*Leadership Council, Albina Vision Trust
*Former Chair, 1000 Friends of Oregon
*Former Board Member, Pacific Northwest College of Art

Nolan’s mother Grace was on OBT’s Board in the 90’s.

 

 

 

Kristin Asai

*Partner, Holland & Knight
*Past President, Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association
*Member, Arts Education Committee, Regional Arts & Culture Council
*Honoree, 40 Under 40, Portland Business Journal

Kristin is a former dancer. Her mother runs a dance studio in Vancouver, WA. She spent 20 years as a dancer, including ballet prior to my legal career. She understands the value of arts to our society as well as the skills it teaches to young dancers.