Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Art has always been an important part of Riki’s life. She acquired a communications degree studying graphics, photography, and printing. After graduation, she lived in Alaska, cutting her teeth on print shop graphics and the printing industry. While living in LA, she had a career in radio advertising. Advertising sales and management provided her with invaluable business experience. She has dealt with customers and co-workers and learned the importance of developing relationships. Riki and her husband spent many years as snowbirds, traveling to and from Washington state to San Luis Obispo. Their long-term plan was successful, and they permanently moved to SLO in 2019.

Today, Riki is an oil painter passionate about creating serene, contemporary landscapes. She is glad to support the local arts by bringing more awareness, fun, and entertainment to the community through the arts.

VICE PRESIDENT

Jonathan York, Professor Emeritus of Entrepreneurship at Cal Poly, has enjoyed the vibrant landscape of San Luis Obispo for 15 years, immersing himself in the startup and tech communities. At Cal Poly, Jon co-founded both the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the SLO Hothouse and leveraged his expertise to develop a robust entrepreneurial scene on campus as well.

Before his time at Cal Poly, Jon led a varied career, ranging from CEO of large mental health and substance abuse systems in Detroit and Ohio, to internet company founder and venture investor. He has lent his energy to numerous boards spanning the arts, healthcare, and human services. As CEO of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Jon witnessed firsthand the powerful relationship between a thriving arts community and sustainable economic development, fueling his desire to support arts in our region. Jon earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and holds a PhD in Psychology from Michigan State.

TREASURER

After serving as Program Director for the SLO County Arts Council from 2012 to 2017, Lori is excited to return as a member of the Board of Directors. She is confident that her practical experience with the organization, coupled with her background working in several large marketing agencies in Seattle, as well as running her own firm, can add a unique point of view within the Board as the Council moves forward. 

Now retired, Lori is enjoying life on a 10-acre property in Santa Margarita. She is an avid supporter of the arts and the exceptional  artists who make it a reality. She hopes to boost awareness of the county’s artists and programs, as well as provide them with more opportunities to flourish in our community.

DIRECTOR

Sharon Rich is the author of "Your Hidden Game: 10 Invisible Agreements That Can Make or Break Your Business," bringing 20 years as a leadership and business consultant to the board. After a 20+ year career as an agency owner and executive/creative director in the Los Angeles advertising industry, she now specializes in helping creative and progressive leaders achieve dramatic business growth by transforming their working relationships.

When not unraveling the invisible threads that bind organizations, Sharon finds joy in creative pursuits—crafting vegan cuisine that converts skeptical omnivores, exploring acrylics and watercolors, and developing her own tarot deck (a perpetual work-in-progress). She brings her unique ability to see patterns others miss to both the business world and arts community, and is committed to supporting SLO County's creative ecosystem with the same passion she brings to her consultancy work.

DIRECTOR

Todd Eads is a seasoned event and catering management professional with extensive experience producing high-profile events from initial concept , design and budgeting through execution, earning a reputation for reliability, collaboration, and excellence.  Todd is deeply committed to building a vibrant arts community in San Luis Obispo County. He believes public art plays a vital role in creating a sense of place, connection, and well-being, and has seen how strong arts programs draw people into downtown areas while supporting local businesses and tourism. Todd is invested in working with the SLO County Arts Council Board of Directors to expand public art installations, support both emerging and established artists, and further strengthen the cultural and economic impact of the arts throughout the county.

DIRECTOR

Despite a degree in social and behavioral sciences, Russell Kwong is a chef by trade and professional musician. As a classically trained musician Russell performs experimental and contemporary music solo and in various ensembles. His works incorporate environmental structure, electronic synthesis and ethereal soundscapes. Russell performs with the San Luis Obispo G’tar Ensemble and also serves on the San Luis Obispo Downtown environment committee. He currently operates Mee Heng Low Noodle House, a historical and cultural hub in the community. Russell has been a proponent in the community for utilizing spaces for eclectic musicians and artists.

ADVISOR

ADVISOR