New Board of Trustees Members

January 25, 2021, Vashon, WA – Vashon Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Board of Trustees, Natalie Abel, Jordan Balcom and Elba Ocasio.

“Our board is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders and individuals passionate about the culture and benefits of art in all its forms for the Vashon community,” said John de Groen, VCA Chairman of the Board.

“We are excited to welcome our new board trustees to their first meeting and to channel their expertise, energy and enthusiasm as we navigate VCA’s path to deliver and explore art in all its forms on Vashon and beyond,” continued de Groen

Natalie Abel is a Vashon native who grew up benefitting from Vashon Allied Arts (now the VCA) programming. She attributes her brief ballet career to the Blue Heron. “I spent many of my elementary school years in Drama Dock  or at art camps.”  Natalie is a teacher with a master’s degree in special education and is currently teaching in a fully remote school environment. Natalie served on the Harbor School Board of Directors for nearly three years and is serving on the Harbor School’s technology committee to “make the remote learning and teaching experience the best it can be.”

Jordan Balcom brings an array of leadership experience in finance and marketing with Goldman Sachs and PepsiCo and as non-profit leader with Junior Achievement.  A native of Tacoma and a graduate of University of Arizona, she is  currently a stay-at-home mom of a one- and three-year old.  Jordan believes that “we need art in all forms today and in the future.”  ”Helping people exude joy and happiness and bring out the inner artist,” is one of Jordan’s goals on the board.

Elba Ocasio brings 25 years of experience in design textiles and fashion and has worked for industry brands such as Pottery Barn, Tommy Hilfiger, US Polo and others. She currently serves on the leadership board of the SureFit Home Décor Company.  When asked what makes art meaningful to you, Elba responded that it is “Design, Dance, Artist, Community, the youth…local and diversity.”  Elba added that she is “working towards building a world class, all-inclusive space and organization for youth and community.”

The VCA Board of Trustees is a volunteer “working” board, supporting the remarkable VCA staff, diverse programming and fundraising events. The current VCA board consists of arts’ lovers with a wealth of professional experience and perspectives who actively advocate and serve as ambassadors for VCA. Board members are appointed for an initial three- year term.

About Vashon Center for the Arts

Vashon Center for the Arts, a collaborative and community-based organization, provides a center for the arts on Vashon Island, initiates quality arts experiences for all ages and creates opportunities for artists to perform and exhibit their work.