Metropolitan Performing Arts has a dedicated Board of Directors working together to make the lives of the Southwest Washington community fuller and richer through performing arts.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Heather Gulling
Board Member
Jocy Walla
Board Treasurer
Help Shape the Future of Metropolitan Performing Arts
The Metropolitan Performing Arts Board of Directors is now welcoming new members.
Why Serve on the MPA Board?
Serving on the MPA Board is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and our community.
As a board member, you become part of the leadership team responsible for ensuring the long-term success of Metropolitan Performing Arts. Together, we help create opportunities where students develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, discipline, and lifelong friendships through the performing arts.
Board service also offers opportunities to:
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Help shape the future of one of Southwest Washington's premier performing arts organizations.
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Strengthen arts education and community access.
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Apply your professional expertise to meaningful community work.
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Build relationships with civic, business, and nonprofit leaders.
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Support strategic growth and long-term sustainability.
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Leave a legacy that benefits future generations of performers and audiences.
Our board is made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds who share one common goal: helping Metropolitan Performing Arts thrive.
Welcome from the Board President
Thank you for your interest in serving on the Board of Directors for Metropolitan Performing Arts.
Choosing to serve on a nonprofit board is about much more than attending meetings. It is an opportunity to invest your time, experience, and leadership in an organization that changes lives through the performing arts.
Every season we watch children discover confidence, teenagers find a place where they belong, and adults reconnect with creativity and community. Those moments don't happen by accident—they happen because dedicated volunteers, generous supporters, talented staff, and engaged board members work together toward a shared mission.
As Board President, I believe our greatest responsibility is ensuring that Metropolitan Performing Arts remains a thriving organization for generations to come. Our board provides governance, strategic leadership, financial stewardship, and community advocacy while supporting our Executive Director and staff in carrying out the organization's mission.
Whether your strengths are in finance, education, business, marketing, law, fundraising, facilities, nonprofit leadership, or simply a passion for strengthening our community, your perspective may help shape the future of MPA.
Thank you for considering this opportunity. I hope you'll explore what board service means and consider joining us as we continue building a place where every performer, volunteer, family, and audience member can belong.
Brett Allred
President, Board of Directors
Metropolitan Performing Arts
brettallred@metropolitanperformingarts.org
Board Expectations & Responsibilities
Board members serve as ambassadors, advocates, and stewards of Metropolitan Performing Arts.
While every member contributes differently, all board members are expected to:
Governance
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Attend regular board meetings.
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Participate in strategic planning and organizational oversight.
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Understand and uphold MPA's mission, bylaws, and policies.
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Exercise sound judgment and fiduciary responsibility.
Engagement
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Serve on at least one board committee.
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Attend performances, special events, and community activities when possible.
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Represent MPA positively throughout the community.
Financial Stewardship
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Support annual fundraising initiatives and special events.
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Contribute to MPA's financial sustainability through personal giving, fundraising, advocacy, or donor engagement, according to your abilities and circumstances.
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Help cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, grant partners and community supporters.
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Advocate for the long-term financial health sustainability of Metropolitan Performing Arts.
Leadership
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Respect the distinction between board governance and day-to-day staff operations.
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Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
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Work collaboratively and respectfully with fellow board members and staff.
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Bring your talents, expertise, and ideas to advance MPA's mission.
The typical board commitment includes one regular board meeting each month, committee participation, occasional special meetings, attendance at performances and events, and involvement in fundraising and community outreach.
Board Recruitment Process
We believe recruiting board members should be thoughtful, welcoming, and transparent.
Our recruitment process generally follows these steps:
2. Initial Conversation
Meet with members of the Board to discuss your interests, experience, and learn more about Metropolitan Performing Arts.
3. Mutual Exploration
This is an opportunity for both you and MPA to determine whether board service is a good fit. We'll answer your questions, share current priorities, and explore where your skills and interests align with the organization's needs.
4. Board Review
After getting to know you through your application and conversation, the Governance Committee and Board of Directors thoughtfully consider how your interests, experience, and strengths align with the mission and current needs of Metropolitan Performing Arts
5. Invitation to Serve
Qualified candidates are presented to the Board of Directors for election in accordance with the MPA Bylaws.
6. Orientation & On-boarding
We believe every new board member deserves a strong start. New directors receive orientation materials, meet fellow board members and staff, and are paired with an experienced board mentor. Your mentor will help introduce you to board culture, answer questions, provide historical context, and help you feel confident and engaged as you begin your service.
