To chase her theater dreams in the early‘80’s, Jane moved from Texas to Southern California. She landed work to help build and run the Los Angeles Theater Center in downtown LA. The intense work with amazing new artists honed her skills as she worked on more than 200 productions as a staff lighting designer and technician in the 4 theater complex. Since that time, Jane worked in sitcom production, as a business software trainer and in print and online magazine publishing. After retiring to Cambria, she has returned to her first love of theater by volunteering at the wonderful CCAT. To continue successful experiences in collaborative arts, and her love to bring artists togeter, Jane has the honor of being unanimously elected as president of the CCA board of directors for 2024.

John and Mary Nixon moved permanently to Cambria in 2011, after having lived many years in Orange County. John’s career was in higher education, serving as faculty and in administration. He retired as President of Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut California. Active with non-profit organization in Cambria, he volunteers with the Lions Club, Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Cambria Scarecrow Festival, and the Cambria Film Festival.

Dennis Frahmann grew up in Wisconsin, majored in English and philosophy at Ripon College, and then earned a master’s in journalism at Columbia University. After a short stint as a restaurant reviewer with Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, he spent most of his career as a marketer for several high-tech firms. Now retired, he lives on the Central Coast of California with his husband Robert Tieman. He is the author of four novels, including The Long Table Dinner, which is set on the Central Coast.  Dennis has been instrumental in the creation and continuing success of the Cambria Film Festival and is involved in numerous other civic and cultural activities serving Cambria.

Ginny has been involved in the arts, and in volunteer service from an early age. She discovered Drama Club in high school and quickly gravitated to various behind-the-scenes duties. It was with the Genesians Drama Club that she held her first board position. Before coming to Cambria she worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation in the Cultural Arts division, was elected to the Saddleback Valley USD Board of Education, where she served for 16 years, and also joined the board of the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library.  Since coming to Cambria in May 2017, she has volunteered with the Cambria Film Festival and helped out with “front-of-house” duties for CCAT performances. Ginny joined the CCA Board of Directors in 2019 as a Member-at-Large, and during this past year, she assumed the office of Secretary for CCA. She has enjoyed getting to know many dedicated people associated with the organization, and is a strong believer in the importance of the arts in our schools and community.

“I am dedicated to Cambria Center for the Arts and have worked for 5 years with the Gallery. Being retired from nursing, my husband and I teach clay to students at our home studio. I also am painting with the Wednesday Irregulars! My love of art and people has brought me to volunteer at the Gallery. 
I have been the elected Gallery Director for these past 2 years as well as the Gallery’s Volunteer Coordinator for over 30 volunteers. I head up a healthy Galley Committee of 14 volunteers. Lots of fun! Come join us! In the past 2 years, I have worked our fundraisers and been an active Board participant and learning how this all works! Thank you for furthering this opportunity.”

Bryce Prunty is a graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts and studied Theatre at San Jose State University. He has performed in several productions at PCPA and SJSU. At CCA, he has directed and performed in several stage productions in the last couple of years. During the day, he is an Executive Vice President for STAND 8 technology solutions company.

Lilliana emigrated from Costa Rica to Los Angeles in 1964 and has lived in Cambria since 1997 with her husband Jeff. In 1993, Lilliana founded Montero Corporate Services, a business compliance service for firms in the entertainment industry. She previously served as Assistant Corporate Secretary for various subsidiaries of Security Pacific Bank and as a Corporate Paralegal for different major entertainment law firms and a film production company in Los Angeles. Through her extensive work experience and business establishment, she has gained the invaluable skills of effective leadership, management, planning, goal setting, and communication. Lilliana's interest in film festivals began while supporting her sons, Kyle and Carlos, who are award-winning independent filmmakers. Through attending, volunteering for, and establishing lasting relationships with the leadership of a variety of film festivals, she has gained a thorough understanding of the workings of film festivals and is passionate about supporting independent filmmakers and eager to share this passion with our community through the Film Arts branch of CCA.

Gail Lampert-Thomas became involved in the film festival shortly after moving to Cambria in 2018. Helping plan and run the Opening and Award nights for the Festival. Gail is also currently on the CCA Community and Learning Committee working to set up classes and workshops through CCA Academy. Gail is a certified meeting professional and spent decades managing events for major corporations in Silicon Valley. She also had a technical communications firm where she and her team designed many websites and programs for various clients. Gail is also a registered yoga teacher and  a credentialed teacher who has taught the arts to all grade levels.. She is very dedicated to bringing the arts to our community and really enjoys being involved with all the creative and vibrant people at CCA. 

Penny Fitzgerald is a talented Art Director and Brand Specialist with over 20 years of experience. Her brand strategy and design expertise have made her sought-after by clients from diverse sectors, including entertainment, non-profits, medical practices, and public institutions. Penny's work includes successful branding projects, events, web design, and marketing materials, showcasing her ability to create impactful marketing communications. Beyond her professional endeavors, she hosts a weekly wine and sip party and sells her oil abstract ocean scapes, demonstrating her passion for personal artistic expression. Penny's diverse skill set and creative pursuits make her a dynamic professional in the creative industry.

Hank has had a lifelong career in education, leadership and training. With a BA in Education and an MA in Educational Administration, he worked in diverse settings including the United States Military Academy at West Point, Beverly Hills High School, Nestle, Inc., and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), ultimately becoming the Mission Director for In-flight Astronaut Training. Retired from his full-time job at NASA he continues as a “contract civilian,” including serving as a member of NASA’s Astronaut Selection Committee for its upcoming Mars One Project – their first manned space flight to Mars scheduled for launch in 2032.  Hank loves sports, and played professional baseball with the Chicago White Sox and coached football and baseball.  He and his wife Judy moved to Cambria in 2020. 

Helmut has had a varied career, including Audio/Visual Engineer, Web & App Developer, Photo- & Videographer, Drone Pilot, and – he reports -- sometimes, Artist.  Helmut is from the European Culture & Art Mecca: Vienna, Austria. He moved to the United States 25 years ago to the Southwest, and has lived for 10 years in Cambria with his wife and Art Collaborator, Dena.  Helmut says “Cambria Center for the Arts is a wonderful place in our little town as a communication and connection for artists and art lovers. I enjoy being part of the board to bring in my talents, knowledge and interest.”

Judy joined the Board in early 2019 as a member-at-large and became vice president in 2020 and served as president in 2022-2023. She has focused on helping the branches with technical, communications and strategy projects. Judy is also the Operations Director for the Cambria Film Festival, having served on the steering committee for the annual Festival since its inception. Judy’s career included executive positions in marketing, product development and corporate social impact for technology companies and nonprofits.

Lucas and Jennifer moved to Cambria two years ago but have deep roots on the Central Coast. Lucas graduated from Cal Poly and lived in San Luis Obispo for nearly 20 years. Together they are raising their two children, Pixley (7) and Wesley (4), in our town of Cambria. Lucas currently serves as a lecturer of Computer Science at Cal Poly and is VP of Engineering at a finance company. Jennifer is Chief Operating Officer of a sustainable startup and homeschools the kids part-time. Both Lucas and Jennifer are passionate about the arts and look forward to continuing to grow with CCA.

Interested in serving on the Board or in a leadership position? Click below for more information or contact us to learn more! Email  president@CambriaArts.org