*Note: On January 1, 2025, we became a completely self-governing entity when we separated from our fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives. We are currently interviewing candidates to expand our board to seven members.

THOMAS P. GREGORY - CHAIRPERSON

Thomas P. Gregory served until recently as the Board President of Living Jazz, a well-established Oakland-based nonprofit providing jazz education and performances. During his 5-year tenure, Living Jazz doubled in size. He is an accomplished software architect and technical leader with extensive experience in healthcare, finance, hospitality, and real estate industries. As a hands-on innovator, he specializes in large-scale software design and secure financial systems. Thomas has successfully led complex software projects, built high-performing global teams, and driven business growth through cutting-edge technology solutions. Beyond technology, Thomas is deeply committed to music education and passionate about giving children the opportunity to thrive through music.

KELLY A. THOMPSON - TREASURER

Kelly A. Thompson is an experienced leader in nonprofit management, education, and restorative justice. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Carl B. Metoyer Center for Family Counseling in Oakland, overseeing operations, program development, and community outreach. Additionally, she is the Healing Services Manager at Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth, where she leads restorative justice programs. With an MBA from UC Berkeley and a BFA from Howard University, Kelly combines her business expertise with a strong commitment to the arts and community service. She has also held roles at The Clorox Company, managed large-scale procurement projects, and taught at institutions such as Universidad Europea de Madrid and OUSD. Fluent in Spanish, Kelly’s extensive experience in both education and nonprofit sectors brings a unique perspective to the board.

SUZANNA SITOMER - SECRETARY

Suzanna Sitomer is a music educator and community leader with 15 years of experience as a credentialed school music teacher. Growing up in Washington, D.C., she developed a strong sense of community through her involvement with the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the D.C. Youth Orchestra. Her own experiences with music shaped her mission to offer similar opportunities to others. Suzanna earned a master’s in educational leadership and change in Hong Kong, specializing in arts administration and inquiry-based learning. As a Program and Development Executive for Harmony Project Bay Area, she is focused on building relationships and securing resources to help expand the organization to Oakland. In addition to her executive role, Suzanna is the lead violin and orchestra teacher.

SETH MAUSNER - BOARD MEMBER

Seth Mausner, a former violist with the San Francisco Symphony from 1981 to 2009, participated in over 4,000 symphonic performances in Davies Hall and concert halls worldwide. He also performed hundreds of chamber music and solo recitals. From 1987 to 2005, Seth served as the Executive Director of Chamber Music Sundaes, a concert series featuring symphony musicians in small ensembles. In addition to teaching violin and viola at the Community Music Center, he has volunteered as a tutor and mentor for many children through Big Brothers, the YMCA, and the SFUSD. Seth was inspired to start this program after his own enriching music education experience, aiming to provide similar opportunities to youth who have limited access to music education. Seth attended the Juilliard School and has a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati.