Photo by Ri Lindegren
Trustees and Advisory Council
Trustees
Karen Shafer, Founder and President
Karen Shafer's career spans nearly 50 years as a not-for-profit arts and education administrator where she worked on over 100 productions with regional and off-Broadway theaters. Her work in education brought her to the Collegiate School, Windward School and Columbia University. She also spent two seasons on the ICE with a project sponsored by the US Antarctica Program. Now retired from Lincoln Center, where she worked for a decade, Karen remembers the transformative influence programs at the O’Neill Center had on her early years. She is placing her efforts on developing her Farm into a Cultural + Environment Residency Center.
Karen Shafer's career spans nearly 50 years as a not-for-profit arts and education administrator where she worked on over 100 productions with regional and off-Broadway theaters. Her work in education brought her to the Collegiate School, Windward School and Columbia University. She also spent two seasons on the ICE with a project sponsored by the US Antarctica Program. Now retired from Lincoln Center, where she worked for a decade, Karen remembers the transformative influence programs at the O’Neill Center had on her early years. She is placing her efforts on developing her Farm into a Cultural + Environment Residency Center.
Ralph Bloom, Vice President and Secretary
Ralph has been a theatre technician since high school. He had pink contracts on two touring productions before graduating with his BFA, Carnegie-Mellon University. Since graduation, Ralph has served as: Scene Shop Supervisor and Production Director, McCarter Theater, Princeton University, working with Marcel Marceau, The Beach Boys, Kris Kristofferson, Ballet Folklorico of Mexico, Mstislav Rostropovich, David Jenkins, John Conklin, and Michael Kahn. Subsequent roles include: Citywide Technical Director, US Bicentennial, Philadelphia, and Technical Director, The Juilliard School. Ralph then joined Sander Gossard & Associates, a major New York scene shop. As Director of the Technical Division, Ralph led a project to develop an automation system for stage rigging and scenic movement. With SGA, Ralph was rigging consultant to Radio City Music Hall, SUNY Purchase, Dartmouth College, Boston University, City Center 55th Street Theater, New York State Theater, Williams College, Beacon Theater, Joyce Theater, Apollo Theater. Turning in a new direction, Ralph designed highway lighting systems, managed the development of an ocean shipping container for liquefied helium, was a construction project manager for an electric generating station in Maritime Canada and established the purchasing department for Morrow Equipment, where he currently serves as Purchasing Manager. Ralph has taught part-time at Shenandoah University and provided technical direction and set designs for community theater projects. Ralph and his family have been associated with Aunt Karen's Farm for many years and he has been a member of the Board of Directors since its founding.
Ralph has been a theatre technician since high school. He had pink contracts on two touring productions before graduating with his BFA, Carnegie-Mellon University. Since graduation, Ralph has served as: Scene Shop Supervisor and Production Director, McCarter Theater, Princeton University, working with Marcel Marceau, The Beach Boys, Kris Kristofferson, Ballet Folklorico of Mexico, Mstislav Rostropovich, David Jenkins, John Conklin, and Michael Kahn. Subsequent roles include: Citywide Technical Director, US Bicentennial, Philadelphia, and Technical Director, The Juilliard School. Ralph then joined Sander Gossard & Associates, a major New York scene shop. As Director of the Technical Division, Ralph led a project to develop an automation system for stage rigging and scenic movement. With SGA, Ralph was rigging consultant to Radio City Music Hall, SUNY Purchase, Dartmouth College, Boston University, City Center 55th Street Theater, New York State Theater, Williams College, Beacon Theater, Joyce Theater, Apollo Theater. Turning in a new direction, Ralph designed highway lighting systems, managed the development of an ocean shipping container for liquefied helium, was a construction project manager for an electric generating station in Maritime Canada and established the purchasing department for Morrow Equipment, where he currently serves as Purchasing Manager. Ralph has taught part-time at Shenandoah University and provided technical direction and set designs for community theater projects. Ralph and his family have been associated with Aunt Karen's Farm for many years and he has been a member of the Board of Directors since its founding.
C. Edward Steele, Vice President and Treasurer
C. Edward (Ed) Steele has lived a varied career in the Theatre that includes an M.A. from the University of Virginia as well as MFA work in theater and a Masters of Education from Mercy College. Mr. Steele began his life in the theater as the Artistic Director of The Little Theater of Charlotte, N.C., then Business Manager of the Chelsea Theater Center in N.Y. followed by a decade as Artistic Director of the Wayside Theater, an Equity house in Virginia. While with the Wayside, Mr. Steele served as a member of several panels for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Steele left the Wayside and moved back to New York where he worked as a performer in commercials (Who can forget the KFC Santa Claus?) and regional theater (Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Southern Shakespeare, Heritage Repertory, Virginia Museum Theater and others). Steele was a founding member of New York’s Abingdon Theater Company and his play CEDAR CREEK was performed by the company. He also performed off-Broadway for several theaters before and after touring with Julie Harris and Brock Peters in the national tour of DRIVING MISS DAISY. He spent ten years with the Bedford N.Y. School System teaching Theater, Public Speaking and Mythology as well as directing the mainstage theatre program. Mr. Steele has been a member of the Board of Directors at Aunt Karen’s Farm since its inception.
C. Edward (Ed) Steele has lived a varied career in the Theatre that includes an M.A. from the University of Virginia as well as MFA work in theater and a Masters of Education from Mercy College. Mr. Steele began his life in the theater as the Artistic Director of The Little Theater of Charlotte, N.C., then Business Manager of the Chelsea Theater Center in N.Y. followed by a decade as Artistic Director of the Wayside Theater, an Equity house in Virginia. While with the Wayside, Mr. Steele served as a member of several panels for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Steele left the Wayside and moved back to New York where he worked as a performer in commercials (Who can forget the KFC Santa Claus?) and regional theater (Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Southern Shakespeare, Heritage Repertory, Virginia Museum Theater and others). Steele was a founding member of New York’s Abingdon Theater Company and his play CEDAR CREEK was performed by the company. He also performed off-Broadway for several theaters before and after touring with Julie Harris and Brock Peters in the national tour of DRIVING MISS DAISY. He spent ten years with the Bedford N.Y. School System teaching Theater, Public Speaking and Mythology as well as directing the mainstage theatre program. Mr. Steele has been a member of the Board of Directors at Aunt Karen’s Farm since its inception.
Dr. Marion Terenzio, Ph.D.
Dr. Marion Terenzio is the 12th President of the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. She holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from Michigan State University, and two Master’s Degrees in Community Psychology and Music Therapy. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Music from Vassar College. Dr. Terenzio has been a leader in creating thriving campus communities and stimulating higher education as an economic driver. She led downtown revitalization efforts and consulted with national organizations such as the Institute for Higher Education Policy, the National Intelligence Council and the National Governor’s Association on higher education’s role as stewards of place. Dr. Terenzio established the Institute for Rural Vitality; a model program supported by the USDA, and recently received a national award by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Dr. Terenzio’s community engagement includes service on state and local economic development and health systems organizations. She received the New York State ACE Women’s Network Catalyst Award for her work with women leaders. Her latest publication, which can be found in the November 2019 edition of Inside Higher Education, focuses on the vibrancy of rural communities and their connection to higher education.
Dr. Marion Terenzio is the 12th President of the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. She holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from Michigan State University, and two Master’s Degrees in Community Psychology and Music Therapy. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Music from Vassar College. Dr. Terenzio has been a leader in creating thriving campus communities and stimulating higher education as an economic driver. She led downtown revitalization efforts and consulted with national organizations such as the Institute for Higher Education Policy, the National Intelligence Council and the National Governor’s Association on higher education’s role as stewards of place. Dr. Terenzio established the Institute for Rural Vitality; a model program supported by the USDA, and recently received a national award by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Dr. Terenzio’s community engagement includes service on state and local economic development and health systems organizations. She received the New York State ACE Women’s Network Catalyst Award for her work with women leaders. Her latest publication, which can be found in the November 2019 edition of Inside Higher Education, focuses on the vibrancy of rural communities and their connection to higher education.
Advisory Council
The Council at Aunt Karen’s Farm provides advice and guidance, introducing the program to professionals who would benefit from a rural residency where nature nurtures creative arts in an agricultural setting.
Dr. Jason Evans, Ph.D., Associate Professor; Chairman, Agriculture & Food Management Dept., SUNY Cobleskill
Dr. Jason Evans has authored two books and several refereed journal publications. He is the advisor to the American Animal Producer’s Club, the Livestock Show Team and Epsilon Pi Tau honor society at SUNY Cobleskill, and also an active member of many on-campus committees. He is also enthusiastically involved in grant writing.
Dr. Jason Evans has authored two books and several refereed journal publications. He is the advisor to the American Animal Producer’s Club, the Livestock Show Team and Epsilon Pi Tau honor society at SUNY Cobleskill, and also an active member of many on-campus committees. He is also enthusiastically involved in grant writing.
Mark Golden, CEO and Co-founder of Golden Artist Colors, began the company in 1980 with 4 employees, his father Sam Golden, mother Adele and wife Barbara. Originating in a cow barn on his parents’ retirement home in rural Columbus, NY, the company made and delivered custom paint colors for artists in Manhattan. GOLDEN’s staff of full-time Employee/Owners is now 220, with facilities in Columbus as well as Norwich, NY. GOLDEN sells its products in over 60 countries.
Mark was selected as the 1996 Small Business Person of the Year for NY and recognized by President Bill Clinton for his activities in creating a business exemplifying the spirit of Corporate Citizenship, providing a work environment that values all employees. In 2006, Mark received an award from the American Institute for Conservation, recognizing his contributions to the art conservation field. In 2005, he received the NYFA 2005 Inspiration Award and was honored by the Manufacturers Association of Central New York with a 2005 Wall of Fame Award. In 2011, Inc. Magazine recognized GOLDEN as one of the top 50 small businesses to work for. In 2012, GOLDEN was recognized by Americans for the Arts as a top 10 contributor to the arts in the US. In 2014 Mark received an honorary Doctorate from Colgate University for his work in support of the local and international arts community. In March 2018, Mark was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Art Materials Association (NAMTA). In April 2019, Mark was awarded the Center for Arts Education Champion of Arts Education Award for being a visionary in the field.
In 1997, Mark and his family began The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts to honor their parents. Its mission is to be a significant resource for visual artists. Over the next 14 years, the Foundation donated to numerous artists and art organizations. In 2010, the Foundation began constructing the Golden Residence, a 10,000-square-foot living and work space for invited artists which opened in 2012.
Mark was selected as the 1996 Small Business Person of the Year for NY and recognized by President Bill Clinton for his activities in creating a business exemplifying the spirit of Corporate Citizenship, providing a work environment that values all employees. In 2006, Mark received an award from the American Institute for Conservation, recognizing his contributions to the art conservation field. In 2005, he received the NYFA 2005 Inspiration Award and was honored by the Manufacturers Association of Central New York with a 2005 Wall of Fame Award. In 2011, Inc. Magazine recognized GOLDEN as one of the top 50 small businesses to work for. In 2012, GOLDEN was recognized by Americans for the Arts as a top 10 contributor to the arts in the US. In 2014 Mark received an honorary Doctorate from Colgate University for his work in support of the local and international arts community. In March 2018, Mark was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Art Materials Association (NAMTA). In April 2019, Mark was awarded the Center for Arts Education Champion of Arts Education Award for being a visionary in the field.
In 1997, Mark and his family began The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts to honor their parents. Its mission is to be a significant resource for visual artists. Over the next 14 years, the Foundation donated to numerous artists and art organizations. In 2010, the Foundation began constructing the Golden Residence, a 10,000-square-foot living and work space for invited artists which opened in 2012.
Dr. Judith C. Hochman, Ed.D., Founder and Chief Academic Officer, The Writing Revolution
Dr. Judith C. Hochman is the creator of the Hochman Method and founder of The Writing Revolution. Dr. Hochman served as the Head of Windward School in White Plains, New York, a nationally renowned independent school focused on teaching students with learning disabilities. She is the founder and senior faculty member of the Windward Teacher Training Institute and a former Superintendent of the Greenburgh Graham Union Free School District in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, a day and residential NYS public school district serving students five to twenty-one years of age with behavioral, emotional and learning disabilities. Dr. Hochman is the author of numerous books and articles. Dr. Hochman is the author of numerous books and articles, and has been featured in The Atlantic and The Hechinger Report.
Dr. Judith C. Hochman is the creator of the Hochman Method and founder of The Writing Revolution. Dr. Hochman served as the Head of Windward School in White Plains, New York, a nationally renowned independent school focused on teaching students with learning disabilities. She is the founder and senior faculty member of the Windward Teacher Training Institute and a former Superintendent of the Greenburgh Graham Union Free School District in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, a day and residential NYS public school district serving students five to twenty-one years of age with behavioral, emotional and learning disabilities. Dr. Hochman is the author of numerous books and articles. Dr. Hochman is the author of numerous books and articles, and has been featured in The Atlantic and The Hechinger Report.
Ruby Lerner, Board of Directors, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
Ruby Lerner ran Creative Capital, an arts foundation, from 1999 to 2016. Under her leadership, Creative Capital committed $40 million in financial and advisory support to 511 projects representing 642 artists. In 2017, Lerner will be the inaugural Herberger Institute Policy Fellow at Arizona State University and Senior Fellow to the Patty Disney Center for Life and Work at CalArts. She serves on numerous national advisory boards including the exhibition committee for the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Ruby Lerner ran Creative Capital, an arts foundation, from 1999 to 2016. Under her leadership, Creative Capital committed $40 million in financial and advisory support to 511 projects representing 642 artists. In 2017, Lerner will be the inaugural Herberger Institute Policy Fellow at Arizona State University and Senior Fellow to the Patty Disney Center for Life and Work at CalArts. She serves on numerous national advisory boards including the exhibition committee for the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Glenn McClure, Eco-musician, McClure Productions
Glenn McClure is a composer and scholar. He has served on the faculties of Paul Smiths College, the Eastman School of Music and SUNY Geneseo. He recently received the Chancellor’s Award for Adjunct Teaching from SUNY.
Mr. McClure received Kennedy Center/VSA National Teaching Artist Fellowship and the National Science Foundation Artists and Writers Fellowship in which he traveled to Antarctica to compose music that dramatizes climate science. He recently composed a work for the European Space Agency Choir that transformed orbital data from the Rosetta Mission into melodies and harmonies. His music has been featured on several national broadcasts including the 2005 broadcast of Enter the Light, the CBS Christmas Special and a 2006 edition of National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” He is currently working a new voting rights opera entitled “Promised Land: An Adirondack Folk Opera with award-winning soloists Jorell Williams and J’nai Bridges.
Glenn McClure is a composer and scholar. He has served on the faculties of Paul Smiths College, the Eastman School of Music and SUNY Geneseo. He recently received the Chancellor’s Award for Adjunct Teaching from SUNY.
Mr. McClure received Kennedy Center/VSA National Teaching Artist Fellowship and the National Science Foundation Artists and Writers Fellowship in which he traveled to Antarctica to compose music that dramatizes climate science. He recently composed a work for the European Space Agency Choir that transformed orbital data from the Rosetta Mission into melodies and harmonies. His music has been featured on several national broadcasts including the 2005 broadcast of Enter the Light, the CBS Christmas Special and a 2006 edition of National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” He is currently working a new voting rights opera entitled “Promised Land: An Adirondack Folk Opera with award-winning soloists Jorell Williams and J’nai Bridges.
Joseph V. Melillo, Executive Producer, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
At BAM, Joe Melillo has fostered the work of emerging and established artists and forged dynamic artistic partnerships by developing programs like The Bridge Project—a three-year series of international theater engagements featuring a trans-Atlantic company of actors directed by Sam Mendes and produced by BAM, The Old Vic, and Neal Street—and most recently DanceMotion USAsm, a cultural diplomacy program in partnership with the US Department of State. He is on the US Nominating Committee for the Praemium Imperiale, a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association. He was a panelist for the National Endowment of the Arts Dance Program and the New York State Council on the Arts, and served as Multidisciplinary Panel Chair of the Pew Fellowships in the Arts.
At BAM, Joe Melillo has fostered the work of emerging and established artists and forged dynamic artistic partnerships by developing programs like The Bridge Project—a three-year series of international theater engagements featuring a trans-Atlantic company of actors directed by Sam Mendes and produced by BAM, The Old Vic, and Neal Street—and most recently DanceMotion USAsm, a cultural diplomacy program in partnership with the US Department of State. He is on the US Nominating Committee for the Praemium Imperiale, a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association. He was a panelist for the National Endowment of the Arts Dance Program and the New York State Council on the Arts, and served as Multidisciplinary Panel Chair of the Pew Fellowships in the Arts.
Michael Naumann, Managing Director, Theater Development Fund (TDF)
Michael Naumann is the Managing Director for Theatre Development Fund (TDF), the largest not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts in the country. Prior to joining TDF, Michael was the Finance Director for Frankel Green Theatrical Management/Richard Frankel Productions Prior and the Director of Finance & Administration for Manhattan Theatre Club. Additionally, since 1995 he has taught workshops for the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (ART/NY).
Michael Naumann is the Managing Director for Theatre Development Fund (TDF), the largest not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts in the country. Prior to joining TDF, Michael was the Finance Director for Frankel Green Theatrical Management/Richard Frankel Productions Prior and the Director of Finance & Administration for Manhattan Theatre Club. Additionally, since 1995 he has taught workshops for the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (ART/NY).
Tom O'Connor, President, Tom O'Connor Consulting Group
Tom O’Connor is a New York City-based marketing and audience development consultant serving the arts and culture industries across the US. His firm provides an array of consulting offerings in the areas of marketing, fundraising, and audience development, as well as coaching and recruitment for arts and culture executives. Tom is also a Lecturer in Theater Management at the Yale School of Drama, where he teaches marketing in the MFA Theater Management program. He was previously the Director of Marketing & Audience Development for Roundabout Theatre Company, one of the largest theatres in the US, and a founding Director of the Tessitura Network’s Enterprise Consulting division. Beyond his marketing focus, he is also trained as a social worker, and utilizes a consulting philosophy that is based equally in healthy human systems of collaboration as it is in sound and efficacious business practice. He received his BA from Emerson College in Theatre Education, and an MSW from Fordham University.
Tom O’Connor is a New York City-based marketing and audience development consultant serving the arts and culture industries across the US. His firm provides an array of consulting offerings in the areas of marketing, fundraising, and audience development, as well as coaching and recruitment for arts and culture executives. Tom is also a Lecturer in Theater Management at the Yale School of Drama, where he teaches marketing in the MFA Theater Management program. He was previously the Director of Marketing & Audience Development for Roundabout Theatre Company, one of the largest theatres in the US, and a founding Director of the Tessitura Network’s Enterprise Consulting division. Beyond his marketing focus, he is also trained as a social worker, and utilizes a consulting philosophy that is based equally in healthy human systems of collaboration as it is in sound and efficacious business practice. He received his BA from Emerson College in Theatre Education, and an MSW from Fordham University.
Charles Tooley, Chairman of the Board of the Burton K. Wheeler Center for Public Policy
Chuck retired undefeated as the longest-serving Mayor in the history of Billings, Montana. He served as President of the Montana League of Cities and Towns and in the leadership of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. His company, Tooley Communications, offers consulting services in marketing, strategic communications, and public policy. He speaks widely on citizenship and leadership. Chuck is a U.S. Army veteran of the Cold War in Europe and the war in Vietnam. Returning home after military duty, Chuck resumed his career in performing arts and began his involvement in cultural programming. He has served on the National Endowment for the Arts Theater and Musical Theater panel, as Vice-Chair of the Montana Arts Council and for 9 years was Chair of its Dance and Drama grants panel. He has been a board member of The Alberta Bair Theater for the Performing Arts, Billings Studio Theater, Starfire Productions, and continues his long service on the Advisory Board of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. Chuck also serves as a Trustee of Rocky Mountain College and as an Aviation and Transit Commissioner for the City of Billings.
Chuck retired undefeated as the longest-serving Mayor in the history of Billings, Montana. He served as President of the Montana League of Cities and Towns and in the leadership of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. His company, Tooley Communications, offers consulting services in marketing, strategic communications, and public policy. He speaks widely on citizenship and leadership. Chuck is a U.S. Army veteran of the Cold War in Europe and the war in Vietnam. Returning home after military duty, Chuck resumed his career in performing arts and began his involvement in cultural programming. He has served on the National Endowment for the Arts Theater and Musical Theater panel, as Vice-Chair of the Montana Arts Council and for 9 years was Chair of its Dance and Drama grants panel. He has been a board member of The Alberta Bair Theater for the Performing Arts, Billings Studio Theater, Starfire Productions, and continues his long service on the Advisory Board of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. Chuck also serves as a Trustee of Rocky Mountain College and as an Aviation and Transit Commissioner for the City of Billings.
– In remembrance –
Michalann Hobson
Michalann (Micki) Hobson was a leading proponent of management initiatives designed to examine and challenge long-standing assumptions about arts administration. In addition to her individual projects, she taught a series of Audience Building and Planning Workshops for the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, Since 1978, she has worked with over 400 performing arts organizations and museums throughout the United States, Toronto, London, and Budapest. Her commitment to the arts and to Aunt Karen's Farm was deeply moving. We are eternally grateful for all that she accomplished and gave to this world.
Michalann (Micki) Hobson was a leading proponent of management initiatives designed to examine and challenge long-standing assumptions about arts administration. In addition to her individual projects, she taught a series of Audience Building and Planning Workshops for the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, Since 1978, she has worked with over 400 performing arts organizations and museums throughout the United States, Toronto, London, and Budapest. Her commitment to the arts and to Aunt Karen's Farm was deeply moving. We are eternally grateful for all that she accomplished and gave to this world.
Robert B. Schlather, Attorney/CPA, Schlather & Birch
Robert B. Schlather began his practice in Cooperstown near Oneonta and Norwich in 1977. As both an attorney and a Certified Public Accountant, Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm’s Trusts & Estates and Taxation practice. Bob graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1971. Prior to law school, Bob graduated from St. Vincent College magna cum laude with a B.A. in Accounting. Bob is admitted to practice in New York State and the Northern District of New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and a member and treasurer of the Otsego County Bar Association. He has been advising Aunt Karen as the project has evolved since 1992.
Robert B. Schlather began his practice in Cooperstown near Oneonta and Norwich in 1977. As both an attorney and a Certified Public Accountant, Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm’s Trusts & Estates and Taxation practice. Bob graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1971. Prior to law school, Bob graduated from St. Vincent College magna cum laude with a B.A. in Accounting. Bob is admitted to practice in New York State and the Northern District of New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and a member and treasurer of the Otsego County Bar Association. He has been advising Aunt Karen as the project has evolved since 1992.
