Staff & Board of Directors

David Kuehn came to lead Cotuit Center for the Arts nearly 10 years ago after a rich, full career overseeing the classical music division at RCA records. David admits that the only thing typical about his day is that it begins by having morning joe with “Morning Joe” alongside his husband. No morning would be complete without a nice relaxing soak in the hot tub. This ritual prepares David for a whirlwind of daily activities that can include meetings to discuss programming ideas, collaborations with other arts organizations, or more likely, get-togethers to ask someone to support the Center with a donation. After scanning hundreds of emails, David’s daily priorities might be drafting a new business plan in support of the future dream campus; educating himself about ownership of a gas station; talking to producers, directors, and patrons about future plays, musicals and concerts; and checking in with staff about their needs. The Center is humming every day, including evenings, so David’s day does not end at 5pm. David might head to a rehearsal, class, performance, concert, board meeting, gallery committee meeting, Wine & Music Wednesday, or Volunteer Orientation. Driving home around 11pm, David always reflects on how lucky our community is to have this Center, how exciting future expansion will be, and how grateful he feels to live in the arts in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Gratitude is a daily practice. On the rare times that David is not at the Center, you can find him catching up on trashy TV or playing his woefully out-of-tune piano. And if you thought you saw David biking up 6A, you were right. David is an avid biker, relaxing at the beach when he can.

Kim is the assistant to David, our Executive Director. She is the face of the ED and the first person visitors encounter when they come to Administration. A typical day might include preparing payroll, approving invoices, filling the candy dish, creating the weekly newsletter, applying for theater production rights and tax-exempt status for our properties, and walking the resident Pug. Kim’s favorite experience at the Center is going to the Gallery when Michelle is hanging a new art exhibit. When she isn’t at the Center, Kim writes. She is a widely-published poet, and two short plays have been produced. She is an exhibited photographer, NPR essayist, and publishes Word Soup, an online poetry journal that donates all submission fees to food banks. If Kim is not at her desk when you arrive in Admin, she most likely is half inside the copier as big as your car looking for a paper jam.

Jason has been at Cotuit Center for the Arts for over ten years and has done it all! His first CCftA experience was acting in Spamalot in 2013. That summer he took on part time work in the Box Office on weekends, and hasn't left since. In all that time, he has worked on over two dozen productions, acting, directing, stage managing, producing, and creating his own original works. Favorites over the years include Stupid F*cking Bird, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, These are the Bonus Years, Constellations, One Man, Two Guv'nors, and Stop/Kiss. He has also been a docent in the galleries for student and adult groups, started a poetry writing YouTube series with coworker and inspiration Kim Baker, and is on the programming committees for both the Main Stage and Sigel Black Box Theater. If you have any questions about any part of Cotuit, he's the one to ask!

Sandra has a business degree. Her work experience is a mash up of business and hospitality, which is what one needs, or at least gains, when one owns their own sandwich shop. Though that gig ended long ago, Sandra still enjoys working with people and seeing that their experience is the best it can be when they’re here at the Center to enjoy a show or other event. When Sandra’s not buzzing around the center day or night, working on one project or another, she can be found at home, still buzzing around working on one project or another!

Elisabeth was born on raised in Barnstable, her first experience with Cotuit was as a high school student performing in the Sturgis Arts Festival. After graduating from VanderCook College of Music in 2012 with her Bachelors of Music Education, she came back to the center to perform in A Grand Night for Singing, Company, Spamalot, and The Last 5 Years. Along with performing, Elisabeth has been the High School musical director for Fiddler on the Roof, RENT, Hairspray, and Little Shop of Horrors. With a focus on choral direction and International Baccalaureate Music, Elisabeth was gifted the opportunity to teach music across the world where she spent 7 years at the high school and elementary levels after leaving the Cape in 2014; she has taught in Boston, Istanbul, Scotland, and New Zealand in various capacities. During her travels some of Elisabeth's most meaningful experiences include walking the Camino Santiago Norte Route, living in the Findhorn Foundation as an organic gardener, and volunteering in the Plum Village Monastery in France for a summer. Upon returning to the Cape in early 2021, Elisabeth saw auditions at Cotuit and decided to reconnect with the community she holds so dear to her heart; through a series of very fortunate events she finds herself where she is today with much gratitude for this community and all it has to offer. Elisabeth believes that arts education is essential at any stage of life and hopes to program courses that inspire everyone to stretch themselves and learn something new.

Leah Maxwell, our dedicated Education Administrator, is more than just a manager at the McGraw Ceramics Studio. Hailing from Cape Cod, Leah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, with a BFA from the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in Studio Art and Sculptural Ceramics. Before joining the Cotuit Center For The Arts team, Leah spent many years perfecting her administrative skills. Her passion for customer service and connecting with people is a key aspect of her role. Still, it's her role as a facilitator that truly shines. Leah is always eager to share her knowledge and introduce people to the wonderful medium of ceramics. Her enthusiasm for introducing others to the joys of working with clay is evident in her daily interactions on campus. If you're at the Center, don't hesitate to stop by the McGraw Ceramics Studio for a tour and a chat with Leah.

Jayna is our Box Office Manager and Gallery Associate at the Center. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 2021, with a BFA in Photography and Arts Management. She is ready to assist you with any of your membership or ticket requests. Jayna also runs our Gallery Instagram page and is involved with getting new artists to exhibit their work in our gallery space. When she is not at the Center, you can find Jayna exploring new places, reading, going to the beach, or taking photographs.

Michelle has worn many hats, often creating her own, throughout her years at CCftA. She is a gallery curator, set designer, props mistress, art instructor and frequent exhibitor. As curator/visual specialist, Michelle is responsible for installing a variety of exhibitions and in-house displays. She is a founder and chairwoman of the annual Art & Souls Masquerade Ball. Michelle is known fondly as Art Lady. When she is not measuring, nailing, or gluing something on campus, Michelle may often be found working in her own art studio. Her most recent mixed media artwork is rendered in colored pencil, acrylic paint, fabric, and the occasional flea market find.

Kim Z. supports the Development Department in many facets of its daily activities. A typical day might include preparing letters for members and donors, entering payments and donations, and assisting with special events. She has two children and is originally from the Midwest. She is an avid photographer, who is currently remodeling an old colonial and enjoys making stuff.

Rachel was born and raised in Barnstable and is the newest addition to the Center’s mighty team. Reach out to Rachel with any questions you might have about membership or sponsorship with Cotuit Center for the Arts! She graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College in 2022 with a degree in Economics and Environmental Studies. Rachel is also a lifelong musician and dancer who grew up in the nurturing arts community of Cape Cod. She began classical piano lessons at age 7, is a self-taught guitarist, started ballet at age 3, and was a student of ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, and West African dance throughout high school and college. Rachel’s appreciation and love of the arts was instilled at a very young age through her mother and she is very excited to be part of the Center to spread that joy with everyone. When she’s not scheming about membership opportunities, Rachel can be found taking long walks on the beach or around her neighborhood—often with her family’s little dog Maizy in tow. She may also be learning to play Brandi Carlile songs, drinking tea, or spending time with her family. Rachel also works for the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative, helping the Cape community come together against the ever-present threat of climate change.

Sarah Rossi, the Technical Associate at the John and Marjorie McGraw Ceramics Studio, is highly knowledgeable and skilled in ceramics and a remarkably talented artist. Her extensive understanding of studio operations is complemented by her unique artistic vision and, most importantly, her innovative approach. Sarah's journey in ceramics began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics/sculpture from the University of Arizona. She further honed her skills with a Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from the University of Montana. Born and raised in Barnstable, she proudly calls Cape Cod home. Sarah's interest in ceramics began at 3 when she discovered natural clay in her backyard. The sensation of its smooth texture on her fingers was unlike anything she had ever experienced. As she grew older, she became fascinated by the seemingly magical process of shaping clay into beautiful objects. This early encounter sparked a lifelong passion for ceramics, fostering a dedicated love for her work that she continues to share with the world.

Michael Ernst earned his MFA in Sculpture at the University of Washington in 1978. He has been active at the Center since 2007 as an actor, a set designer, and a member of the Curatorial Committee, among other things. Having retired in 2019 from his position as Director of Information Systems at what is now the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, he spent an excessive amount of time at the Center in 2020, to the point that he was asked to either join the staff or go home. Michael is a Certified Operator of Stageline SL50 Mobile Stages and has a card to prove it.

Kathie comes to the Center after retiring from senior-level logistics and operations executive with major and specialty retailers, such as JJill. Her wide and deep experience with executive functions makes Kathie a seasoned manager and able leader. Kathie and her husband Paul attend so many events at the Center, favorites too many to count. But at the top are the Cape Cod CAN shows, which Kathie describes as joyous from beginning to end. Kathie says she joined the board because she wanted to be part of this extraordinary organization. And since she says she can't sing, dance, or act, she was looking for other ways to help as a volunteer. We have heard tell, though, of her childhood prowess simultaneously reading while jumping on a pogo stick. That sounds like talent to us!

Retired after working for Liberty Mutual Insurance Group for over 31 years, Mark was the Vice President for sales. His areas of expertise include compensation, training, recognition, compliance, and marketing services. Mark and his wife, Janet, have been involved with the Center since 2013. Although Mark says it is hard to select one highlight of their experience, seeing Art Garfunkel perform on our stage was a truly great evening. In addition to coming to many Center events, Mark enjoys meeting so many wonderful patrons, volunteers, and staff. All these experiences have been truly rewarding. He and Janet love participating in any way they can and consider it an honor to be part of such a fantastic organization. They look forward to helping the Center grow and prosper.

Graham is a resident of Cotuit and the owner of Siena, a restaurant in Mashpee Commons. Previously he was a strategy consultant with Monitor Group LP, a global management consultancy based in Cambridge, MA. He has also been a principal in several early-stage business start-ups, successfully obtaining seed capital from major venture capital funds. From 1989 to 1999 he held various positions in business development with Unum Corporation, an S&P 500 insurance holding company. From 1996 to 1999, he established their operations in Latin America from a base in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Graham is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, and has an MBA from the University of New Hampshire.

Chris is a resident of Cotuit. He comes to the Board with over 30 years of Senior Financial Experience, in roles as Vice President of Finance, Director of Internal Audit, Director of Strategic Planning and Controllership Roles, in both public and private companies. He is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, a Certified Internal Auditor, a graduate for Raytheon Company's Financial Leadership Development Program and is a current member of the Supervisory Board of a Credit Union. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Babson College. Chris and his family have enjoyed many of the Center's events and they look forward to continuing to support the Center, interacting with the talented staff and members and continuing to enjoy the numerous events at the Center.

Diane Greer fell in love with Cotuit when she first visited in college and she and her family have owned a home in Cotuit since 2004 and moved full-time to the village in 2021. Professionally Diane has worked in public relations, marketing and events in the travel, financial and manufacturing industries.She has consulted with a number of non-profits and was previously the program director at Newton Schools Foundation, the largest non-profit schools foundation in MA. In her role she was responsible for the overall operations, administration and fundraising for the organization. Diane currently works in the special education department at Mashpee Public Schools.

Spencer is our resident plumber and producer. He not only owns and operates a Cape Cod plumbing company with 13 employees, but he and his wife Melissa became first-time producers when they took on all those orphans in Annie. What a success! And Spencer can’t wait for Steve Earle to return to our stage! When he is not running his business, Spencer loves hanging lights above the main stage and getting to know our board president emeritus, long-time supporter and major donor, and tech guru, Jim Hoeck. Spencer generously donated time and talent to help rebuild the Black Box with a community of support. When asked why he joined the board, Spencer’s answer was simple and heartfelt: to help better something I love. Thanks, Spencer. We love you too!

Sharon Hawkins is the owner with her husband Allen White of South Street Beautification Trust, a private real estate company. She is the retired Senior Vice President of Dowling & O’Neil Insurance Agency, Hyannis and former owner of The Optimist Café in Yarmouthport. A graduate of McGill University and resident of Cape Cod since 1977, Sharon has been very active in community service on Cape Cod. She currently serves as Board Chair for Bluecoats of Barnstable and is an advisor to the Board of WE CAN. Some of her past volunteer service includes Board Chair, Cape and Islands Red Cross; Board Chair, Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce; President of Rotary Club of Hyannis; Board Chair WE CAN; Board member and Campaign Chair, United Way; and member of Supervisory Committee, First Citizens Federal Credit Union. Sharon is the recipient of the John F Kennedy Jr Community Service Award and Cape Cod Business and Professional Women’s Woman of the Year. Sharon’s community involvement also incorporates hands-on activism, embodied by her participation in a school reading program, tutoring in an after school program, serving in a food kitchen, and volunteering for blood drives.Sharon has been a long time member of Cotuit Center for the Arts and understands the need for a strong commitment in support of the Arts in our community.

Ashley LaCroix is a Registered Senior Client Associate with the Gulmann Group at Merrill Lynch with 23 years of experience in the financial industry. Having become a member of the Cotuit Center for the Arts 5 years ago, Ashley has become passionate about the continued development and growth of the organization. Ashley has performed on the Main Stage in four productions at CCftA and most recently added Stage Manager to her resume. Ashley is enthusiastic to lend her professional experience as well as her perspective as an actor in her newest role as Board Member.

Robin joins the Center after retiring from a 30-year career with the New York City Department of Education. She served as a special ed teacher for the first 15 years and the second half as an art teacher and Blueprint for the Arts Facilitator. She has conducted staff development workshops in NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, and the Whitney Museum. Robin was the recipient of several awards including NYC and NYS Region 8 Art Educator of the Year. She has participated in several art exhibits on the Cape and especially with the Center. Robin and her husband James, who is a poet and retired banker, have been presenting a BLM series with the Center since 2020. She loves writing the scripts and looks forward to making more valuable contributions as a member.

Michael and Area Princi live in Marstons Mills and have a wonderful, blended family of 6 children and 16 grandchildren. Michael and Rob Mills operate Princi Mills Law PC in Hyannis. Michael is recognized locally and state-wide as one of the top litigators in Barnstable County. Michael graduated from Bowdoin College in 1969 and Northeastern University School of Law in 1975. He served on active duty in the Navy from 1969 to 1972, including a tour in Vietnam. He continued to serve in the Navy Reserve and the Massachusetts Air National Guard until 1999, when he retired as a Staff Judge Advocate at the rank of Colonel. Michael served on the boards of the Massachusetts Bar Association, Massachusetts Academy on Trial Attorneys, and Joint Bar Committee for Judicial Appointments and represented Housing Assistance Corporation for 43 years, contributing his time to promote affordable housing. He now serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce. Michael joined the board to support the quality of programing and David’s outstanding leadership. The Center is the Gold Standard for theater and the arts on Cape Cod.

Aparna and Ajay moved from Boston to Mashpee in 2020 and quickly became enamored with the local community. Aparna, who studied Economics at the University of Pennsylvania and later earned an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, has always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Her wide-ranging career includes working with Fortune 50 clients and participating in economic development projects in Bangladesh and South Africa with the Monitor Group, engaging with national non-profits at the Bridgespan Group—a Bain & Co spinoff—and holding roles in marketing and commercial assessments in the pharmaceutical industry. She also helped implement federal health care policy initiatives at the CMS Innovation Center under the Affordable Care Act, which focused on improving the quality of care while reducing costs. Currently, Aparna partners with health care technology startups to improve their financing and growth strategies, with the aim of enhancing access to care. Additionally, she actively mentors emerging health tech entrepreneurs. Aparna and Ajay have enjoyed the Cotuit Art Center’s rich programming, including performances, exhibits, and spending time in the Back Yard. By joining the board, Aparna aims to support David Kuehn's leadership, staff, and the dedicated group of volunteers to further the Center's mission of enriching the community through arts and education.

After working in banking for more than twenty years, which included branch bank administration and establishment and management of the Private Banking business (Wealth Management), Lee switched gears. Lee volunteered for many years on non-profit boards. This experience affected Lee so much that she decided to change her career to develop relationships and funds for non-profit organizations. "I was the Development Director for two hospitals and a united arts fund organization that raised money for 16 arts groups. Two favorite experiences at the Center include learning how to paint with watercolors and seeing the play Grounded, in the Black Box. It was one of the best written and acted plays I have seen in the past few years."“The performing arts are my passion,” says Lee. “I wanted to join the board to help Cotuit Center for the Arts continue to grow and thrive for our community’s education and enjoyment.”

Juliane owns the Law Offices of Juliane Soprano and has been devoted to helping injured workers and the disabled on Cape Cod for 27 years. She is also a founding partner and the CEO of Enterprise Legal Consultants, a company that provides business management and development services to attorneys. As a huge fan of Pink Floyd, Juliane's favorite experience at the Center was seeing 57 Heavy's tribute show "Breathe.” She is an avid gardener and biker, and when the spirit moves her, triathlete. As a resident of Marstons Mills, the Center is truly a "Wonder Around the Corner," and she looks forward to the adventures to come and bringing the Center to the next level.

Michelle St. John is the Media Director for We Are the Seeds, a non-profit Indigenous arts organization based in Philadelphia. She is also the producer of From Here, With a View, A We Are the Seeds Philadelphia Podcast, centering Indigenous perspectives on life, art, and everything in-between. Michelle is a two-time Gemini Award winning actor and filmmaker and has more than forty years experience working in theater, radio, television and feature films. Her film Colonization Road garnered a Golden Sheaf Award from the Yorkton Film Festival and a Canadian Screen Award nomination for the Donald Brittain Award – Best Social/Political Documentary.