TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Jonathan Serret, Cultural and Community Services Director DATE:January 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Ratification of TOArts Board of Directors
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Ratify the appointments of Aerin LeDuc-Gummeson, Victor Fakrogha, and Dr.
Michael Hart to the Board of Directors of TOArts each for a term of three years ending December 31, 2029.
2. Find that this action does not qualify as a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Staff time for providing administrative support to TOArts is included in the Adopted FY 2025-26 Theatres Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND:
In November 2016, City Council consented to the statutory merger of the Alliance for the Arts (Alliance) into the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Foundation (Foundation). In addition, City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Foundation detailing the public/private agreement with the combined new nonprofit entity. In May 2017, the State of California approved the statutory merger of the two entities and on May 19, 2017, the Alliance officially merged with the Foundation. The combined organization was rebranded and is now TOArts.
Per the MOU, City Council ratification is required for the appointment of all new TOArts Board directors.
Ratification of TOArts Board of Directors
January 13, 2026
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DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Ratification of TOArts Board of Directors
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In the Fall of 2025, the TOArts Board of Directors established an Ad Hoc Nominating Committee (Committee) for the purpose of identifying candidates to fill Board vacancies and expiring terms. The Committee considered recommendations of community leaders and individual members of the TOArts Board.
At the October 16, 2025 Board meeting, Treasurer Keith Wintermute, who was appointed by the TOArts Board in 2023 to fill the remaining two-years of Eloise Cohen’s term ending December 31, 2025, was reappointed to his first full three- year term ending December 31, 2029. As a current sitting Director of the Board, no further ratification is required.
At the December 18, 2025 annual Board meeting, at the recommendation of the Committee (Attachment #1), the Board unanimously voted to appoint Aerin LeDuc- Gummeson, Victor Fakrogha and Dr. Michael Hart to the TOArts Board of Directors.
Aerin Le-Duc Gummeson is a writer, arts advocate, and founder of the Le-Duc Gummeson Foundation for Learning, which promotes children's literacy. She served on the New West Symphony Board for two years and as Vice President of the Thousand Oaks Library Board for two years. With over three decades in entertainment and media, including twenty years at Universal Pictures, she brings deep industry expertise and community engagement. Aerin has served on the TOArts Programs Committee since 2023.
Victor Fakrogha, Senior Vice President and Market Manager at Community West Bank, brings 20+ years of sales and business development leadership. He excels at relationship cultivation, market expansion, and entrepreneurial initiatives in competitive sectors. Deeply passionate about the arts with a strong entertainment background, Victor is committed to mentorship and community impact.
Dr. Michael D. Hart serves as the Associate Dean for the Creative and Performing Arts and is an Associate Professor of Music at California Lutheran University. As Associate Dean, he oversees the Art/Multimedia, Film/Television, Music, and Theatre departments and as Associate Professor, conducts the CLU Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in conducting and music education. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and tubist.
With ratification, LeDuc-Gummeson, Fakrogha and Hart will join Chair Al Lowe, Vice-Chair Kyle Rohrbach, Secretary Karen Davis, Treasurer Keith Wintermute, and at-large Directors Leanne Neilson, David Mead, John Bradley and Matthew Burke on the TOArts Board of Directors.
The TOArts Board of Directors recommends City Council ratification of the Ratification of TOArts Board of Directors
January 13, 2026
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appointment of Gummeson, Fakrogha and Hart to the TOArts Board of Directors for a three-year term ending December 31, 2029.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goals:
G. Continue City's commitment to community and cultural programs and services (such as Performing Arts/Theatres, Libraries, TOTV, Visual Arts, Youth and Senior Programs).
H. Participate in public-private and multi-jurisdictional opportunities to ensure residents have access to high levels of parks, recreation, education and leisure programs and services.
Attachments:
Attachment #1 – TOArts Board Ratification
CCS:901-410\JS\H:Common\Admin\StaffReport\TOArtsRatification2026.docx