MCA is governed by an all-volunteer board. Members are elected for three year terms, and are eligible for a second term. The Board of Directors meets once a month, with the exception of December. MCA’s Annual Meeting of the Corporation is held in January when MCA members elect new board members, receive the annual report, and learn about MCA’s strategic direction.
In Ginger’s spare time she loves to read, exercise, go to the beach, and mostly loves to play with granddaughters. She has been married to Randy for 36 years. Her two children, Jordan and Cailin, are both educators. Jordan lives in St. Augustine with his wife Annie and has two daughters. Cailin lives in Ocala, carrying on the teaching tradition, at Liberty Middle School.
James has been married to his high school sweet heart, Kaycie, for 10 years. They have a 2-year-old boy named Clark, with another baby boy on the way in August. They are also animal lovers with two dogs named Champ and Steve, and a cat named Squeeks. In James’ off-time he enjoys being with his family, cooking, live music, and Florida football.
Living in Florida became a reality in 1985 when she accepted a position with a software company located in Orlando. From there she moved to Winter Haven and began an extended career path in nursing administration with the local health system. Her last position with the health system was as the Administrator of Good Shepherd Hospice. She later held an executive position at TideWell Hospice in Sarasota. In 2009, Mary Ellen was named the CEO of Hospice of Marion County. She retired from that position in December 2019.
Reyes has a doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of South Florida and a master’s in counseling from West Virginia University. He has participated in leadership programs of the American Association of Community Colleges, National Community College Hispanic Council, and Florida College System Chancellor’s Leadership Program.
Saul is a first generation American born to Cuban immigrants. Saul and his wife Sharon, celebrating 34 years of marriage in 2020, have lived in Florida since 1996. Together they have three adult sons, Joshua, Benjamin, and Caleb. Saul enjoys wildlife and nature photography and visiting America’s national parks.
From her early teens, Mel’s hands were graced with a brush, igniting a lifelong exploration of drawing and painting. Influenced by the timeless allure of the Renaissance masters, she discovered a profound connection to the symbolism and deep existential meanings embedded in their works. This foundational love for classical art has been the compass guiding her artistic pursuits.
For three years, Mel served on the Magnolia Art Xchange steering committee, contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the local artistic community. In 2021, she assumed the role of Gallery Director at NOMA Gallery and is a founding member of NOMA, where her creative vision and leadership have elevated the gallery into a dynamic hub for artistic expression.
At the core of Fiorentino’s artistic focus is her dedication to figurative work, portraiture and teaching at her new art school Fiorentino Atelier in Ocala, FL.
Dr. Hammond holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from The Ohio State University, a Masters in Classical Archaeology from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in Art History and Archaeology, and a minor in Museum Studies. She is the recipient of numerous fellowships and scholarships including a Fulbright and Samuel H. Kress Fellowship which supported her dissertation research on ancient Greek ceramics. Her field experiences include over 25 seasons at various sites in Greece as well as working as an archaeological illustrator in Cyprus and Egypt.
Brooke serves on the board for Fine Arts for Ocala, the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission, and the Marion County Elementary Music Association of which she is past president. She is a member of the Florida Music Supervisors Association, the Florida Music Educators Association, the Florida Arts Education Association, and the National Association for Music Education.
From 2008 to 2023, Brooke taught elementary music and secondary band in Marion and Lake counties. A recipient of the 2021 Marion Cultural Alliance Arts Educator of the Year award, she is honored to join the MCA Board and to connect the professional arts community of Ocala with the arts in our public schools.
She is married to David, a fellow educator, and is the mother of two incredible children, Amelia and Keaton. In her spare time, Brooke enjoys reading, playing with her two dogs Finn and Betty, and a good cup of coffee.
Currently, Wendy is the Executive Director of Wear Gloves, a non-profit that provides economic opportunity for the distressed in Marion County, FL. Art therapies including Recovery Art are an important part of the healing process for many of their clients.
In her free time, Wendy loves cuddling her 3 grandbabies, traveling with her number one guy, and is an avid reader.
Art Quote: “The more I think it over, the more I feel there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” – Vincent Van Gogh
Albert’s understanding of design and his appreciation for architecture, complemented by a broad access to design resources, provide the compass to guiding Albert to provide timely and valuable insight to assist clients in making smart design and real estate decisions.
From economic development and tourism, to constitutional rights and education, Matthew helped shepherd dozens of policy initiatives through the legislative process in Tallahassee. In addition, Matthew served as a constituent advocate, helping individuals communicate with policymakers and navigate the bureaucracy of state government. A graduate of the College of Central Florida, Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Organizational Management.
Matthew is a second-generation Marion County resident. He has been faithfully married to his wife Elaine since 2012, and together they have three children. He is an active member of Redeemer Community Church where he serves as a deacon.
As a senior partner of Diversified Consulting Concepts, LLC, which specializes in providing training and consulting in diversity and inclusion, organizational development and leadership, Dr. Meghani is responsible for the firm’s strategic planning and execution of business practices. She has developed and conducted trainings in the areas of leadership, cultural competence, diversity, de-escalation for a wide variety of clients such as healthcare, nonprofit and law enforcement organizations. She holds certification as an EEO investigator from the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission and is a graduate of the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training’s De-Escalation Instructor Course.
Fluent in three languages, Dr. Meghani enjoys wearing Indian sarees at every opportunity she gets, singing Indian songs and painting. She calls Ocala, FL her home.
Michael has written art reviews for LA Weekly, and worked with Australian art magazine, Art/Text, in its relocation from Australia to the US. He has been an advisor for the Foundation for Art Resources (FAR).
In 1994, Michael was co-founder of ACME. Gallery in Santa Monice and later Los Angeles. ACME. was considered one of the seminal contemporary art galleries highlighting Los Angeles artists for its 22 years in operation. It showed many artists that have gone on to have international careers, including Uta Barth, who went on to win a MacArthur Fellowship in 2012.
As an independent producer of art projects, Michael has been involved with video productions/projects with artists Diana Thater, T Kelly Mason, Jessica Bronson and Barbara Kruger. As a curator, Michael has been co-curator at two exhibitions- “I, Me, Mine” at the Luckman Center for the Arts (CSULA) and True.Bliss at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (catalog).
Michael has been a frequent panelist on collecting contemporary art and the Los Angeles contemporary arts scene in the 1990’s. He also lectured on artist career management and “getting a commercial gallery” for MFA students at Cal Arts and Art Center.
While in Chicagoland, Celeste graduated from and devoted time and skills to Elgin IL’s Leadership Academy which focused on the economic development of the city. She served as a Junior Achievement Classroom Instructor teaching fundamental economics and was a two term Secretary for the Board of The Townes of Fox Chase.
After her arrival in Ocala, Celeste experienced expressions of creativity in the visual, musical, architectural and culinary arts, noting “the city holds a plethora of magnificent venues where one can appreciate the beauty and stimulate the imagination”.
Celeste resides with her husband Lawrence and their fur babies LuLu and Winston. She enjoys golfing, entertaining and has a passion for International Travel and architectural photography.
As an Army Reservist, Nick served 30 years and retired at the rank of Colonel, with his last duty position as the Training Division Chief for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He is branch-qualified in Field Artillery; Combat Military Police; and Civil Affairs and is a Veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation Enduring Freedom. Colonel Navetta has commanded several units and has served in a variety of key staff positions. His awards include The Army Achievement and Army Commendation Medals; The Meritorious Service Medal; The Bronze Star Medal; and The Legion of Merit Medal.
Nick and his family have lived in the Ocala/Dunnellon area since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Florida, earning a bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science. He and his wife of 37+ years, Diana, currently have four grandchildren. Nick is honored to be a member of the MCA Board and looks forward to giving back to the Community.
A proud Marine, Cherrietta supports numerous veterans’ organizations and initiatives. She is Events/Marketing Coordinator of Ocala VetNet (supporting veteran businesses), active in VFW, American Legion, and teaches Yoga with Connected Warriors at veterans’ facilities. She is passionate to help reduce the number of homeless veterans. In 2021, she was named a cohort to ACCE’s Inclusive Economic Growth Fellowship.
Cherrietta has been a CEP Ambassador for more than seven years. In her spare time, she enjoys a day at the beach, reading and spending time with family. Working with the #1 Chamber and CEP team is her greatest adventure to help boost the economy and support small businesses.
Now, primarily a painter, Shapot is the owner of Jordan Shapot Art. He exhibits his artwork at reputable galleries, art festivals, art fairs, public art projects, murals, and merchandise. He has won many of awards over the years including five separate Best in Show awards.
Shapot has also been involved in community service efforts for most of his life. He was awarded the high rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15, he has served on many community service-oriented boards and loves giving back to the community in creative ways.
Maureen is passionate about and has a long history of community volunteerism. She has served on the boards on many nonprofit organizations including the United Way, Junior Achievement, Education Foundation, Child Advocacy Center and Boys and Girls and her Rotary Club in Alachua County. She is looking forward to becoming more involved in Marion County, as well.
Prior to joining Cox, Maureen worked as a speech writer and community liaison for five UF presidents and supported UF’s state legislative affairs. She also worked as a consultant, helping organizations and municipalities navigate complex inter-institutional processes, like redistricting.
Maureen has two children, Jacquelyn and Robert (Mae), and two grandchildren.
Favorite Marketing Quote: “You gotta think like a fish, no matter how weird it gets.”
Tammy holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Rasmussen College, which has equipped her with a strong communication and community outreach foundation. Recently married Jason Warren, the owner of Warren’s Power Washing, on April 7, 2024. Tammy and Jason enjoy a lively, blended family life. Together, they navigate the joys of a big family with four daughters, four sons, and seven beloved chihuahuas. Outside of her professional and community commitments, Tammy loves exploring the outdoors in her Jeep, and she finds relaxation and adventure in activities near the water, such as beach outings and cruises.
Daryl and his wife of more than 50 years, Dee, raised their family in Ocala and have always been actively involved within the community, serving on many boards and sponsoring community events. They have always considered everyone having access to the arts of the utmost importance and believe it enhances the community as a whole. Daryl’s love of art is on full display as he shares his office with many forms of art, each speaking to him uniquely.
Art Quote: “Art speaks where words are unable to explain.” – Unknown
Art Quote: “I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.” – Vincent Van Gogh
Over the years there have been arts activities in Marion County…now there are ARTS ACTIVITIES IN MARION COUNTY! Much of that is due to Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), partner artists and organizations, and the community. As a non-artist, I am so grateful to be associated with the arts movement in the area by being on the MCA board.
I have had a wide variety of work adventures, and have been selling real estate in Marion County since 1989. It is so nice to be able to talk about the growing arts community to folks who are moving to the area. It’s work that will continue to offer artists and non-artists the ability to support this lovely place to live.
Her support the arts in Ocala began in 1990 when she wrote the initial strategic plan and very first grant for the Discovery Science Center, then operating in what is currently the Marion Theatre. Other volunteer work includes service as a member of the board of the Munroe Foundation supporting Munroe Regional Medical Center (now Advent Health), and as the Style Partner to the Ocala Culinary Festival (2016 – 2019).
Inspired by abundance and excellence in the Ocala arts community, in 2000 Paula worked with others on the development of MCA as a support and funding organization for all local arts organizations. Paula served as founding chairman of the board, also serving four subsequent terms and on various other committees over the next 15 years.
Paula was a leader in conception and development of MCA key initiatives including public art (Horse Fever co-chair 2000, 2005, 2010), the Artist Within, Ride for the Arts (2015-2019), advocacy, community and city partnerships, endowment, grants, and strategic planning.
Paula retired from the MCA board in 2019, devoting herself full time to her business and family. Her current ambition outside of work is to experience as much of the arts as she can as an audience member, travel, and one day pick up her tennis racquet again.
Art Quote: “[Art] is very, very involved. It requires the passion and commitment, the research and the dog-mindedness just to bludgeon your way through it and make it happen” – Lawrence Noble (creator of the Yoda statue at Presidio Park)
Due to her love of the arts, Laurie became one of the original founding members of Marion Cultural Alliance, a not-for-profit arts council which was developed to provide funding for community arts organizations, and subsequently was the chairman of both the inaugural and tenth anniversary Horse Fever public arts projects and the current HF 20/20 Anniversary Collection. She is currently an Honorary Emeritus board member and has served as MCA chairman twice and has been an active board member for many years.
Laurie was a partner in the creation and foundation of the Silver Springs International Film Festival in Marion County, Florida and served as the volunteer Executive Director of both the festival and the Ocala Film Foundation.
Laurie is currently the Development and Community Outreach Director at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), a world-renown research facility that pioneers technologies aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities.
She is also the current Ocala Civic Theatre board chairman, chair of the A/V Technology and Communications Business Advisory Council, founding board member of Circle Up-Center for Practical Peacebuilding and has served as the chairman of the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission, the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and was a Take Stock in Children mentor.
Laurie treasures her roles of Mom, volunteer, community activist, sailor, arts enthusiast, accomplished horsewoman, traveler, reader and lifelong learner and explorer!
Jaye has served as the Executive Director of Marion Cultural Alliance, since 2016, where she works alongside the board, volunteers, and arts enthusiasts to champion, convene, and create opportunities for artists and nonprofit arts organizations. While not an artist herself, she is honored to work with the creative industry to support their work and values how art and cultural impact our quality of life and our local community.
Baillie is a travel enthusiast having visited China, Cuba, Colombia, Switzerland, Italy, Alaska, Greece, Hawaii, Iceland, Mexico, and Crotia and many ports of calls while cruising.
She is an avid boater, shrimper, and fisherwoman and lives on Lake George with her husband, Russell. They have two grown children, Rebecca and Sam and four grandchildren, Henry & Lora Kate (Ocala) and Emory & Clark (Los Angeles).
Nicole Upton, is a local artist and alumni of the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nicole has coupled her life long passion for art and animals with her international upbringing. Nicole lived in the United Arab Emirates and Oman for several years, which lead to her spirited interest in theology and diversity. Nicole’s artwork projects her love of animals and multiculturalism. As a former member of the Worldwide Art Movement based out of Kochi, India, Nicole participated in two international art exhibitions, i.e., Art Maestro 2016 and 2017. Nicole’s domestic art participation includes venues such as NOMA and The Brick.
Today, Nicole spends her time raising her two beautiful daughters, volunteering with animal rescue, participating and understanding the autism community, and immersing herself within the local art community.
A former circus and vaudeville performer, Micki has spent her life immersed in entertainment and the performing arts. She’s been a professional dancer, instructor and choreographer specializing in various dance forms of the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, folk and classical dances of India, and Romani (Gypsy) dances; being a Roma-Kalderash herself. She is also a yoga teacher, worked as a gymnastics coach, and practiced Capoeira for a time.
She left the circus and moved into film & television, where she performed on-camera in stunt, day-player and ensemble roles in productions for Paramount, Universal, Disney, United Artists, and the CW.
Micki possesses an MFA in Motion Pictures & Television from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California, and is an award winning screenwriter whose work has been featured in international film festivals. Aside from her own projects, Micki assists other writers and production teams in story doctoring to develop strong screenplays for film and television projects.
Outside of work, Micki volunteers with the Ocala Civic Theatre, the Marion Therapeutic Riders Association, and is the screenwriting mentor for the Ocala Film Derby. When not volunteering, she’s an avid video gamer, a horror film aficionado, and an amateur historian focusing on 15th century Romanian political and military history during the reign of Vlad III. Dracula.
(Interested in becoming a voluteer? Click Here for More Information!)
Keep up to date with our exhibits and news!
