Executive Board
President
Michael Short
Michael Short has been the Vocal Music teacher at Orange High School since 1982. He is also extremely involved in the community. He is the founder and director of the Orange Community Master Chorale, Director of Music at the First United Methodist Church, and he is currently the Western Region President of the American Choral Directors Association. He has lived in Orange since 1974 and graduated from Chapman College in 1979.
"I am working to establish the GOCAT theater to create a place in Orange where all our students can learn, create, and perform. OHS choral students have had a chance to perform in some of the most amazing places in the world. It’s time that they have their own amazing venue locally, a place to grow and thrive through their love of the arts."
Secretary
Mignon Whitaker
Mignon is a Fine Artist and Theater Producer at KIDS Musical Theater at St. John's Lutheran Church. Mignon and her husband Fred serve in many volunteer capacities within the community and reside in Old Towne Orange.
Co-Vice President
Carrie Hummel
Carrie Hummel has recently retired as the office administrator at the Law Offices of Philip L Hummel, IV, after 28 years. Carrie earned her teaching degree in Elementary Education and a K-12 Music Education degree from Albion College. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Marketing from Michigan State. She is a passionate volunteer, benefitting multiple Orange community organizations for over 35 years, and she has participated in Mr. Short’s choirs since 1990.
"Music makes me happy! I have been involved in choirs since the age of five, I played several instruments, and I was involved in theater for many years. The arts have allowed me an outlet for my passion. I hope that the children of Orange can have the same opportunity. I think that they deserve it."
Treasurer
Marilyn Moore
Marilyn Moore, a long-time resident of Orange, is retired and active in many local and civic groups. She is also treasurer and on the board of Orange County Friends of Music (Orange Community Master Chorale).
Co-Vice President
Dan Carrier
Dan Carrier leads a national sales team at U.S. Bank focused on corporate healthcare and food industries. He has over 40 years of business experience. He is a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and former CPA.
Governing Board
Board Member
Moira Singer
Moira Singer has been a resident of Orange since 1971. Moira is the former business owner of Gannon Design and vocationally, is a singer, published composer and instrumental conductor.
Board Member
Aaron Jacoby
Aaron has been in I.T. for more than 30 years; He is also a community volunteer and currently serves as Booster President for Orange High School's Vocal Music Program. Along with his wife of 28 years, Aaron is a dad to five amazing children (eight, with their spouses) and three beautiful grandchildren. Aaron has a passion for photography, videography, performing and visual arts, and sports.
"The world of performing arts saved and developed our children. From choir performances to on-stage musicals, they blossomed into the most amazing human beings you'll ever know. As a family, we have a deep compassion and appreciation for the arts and are looking forward to GOCAT providing the same opportunities for generations to come."
Board Member
Adam Pliska
A graduate of University of Southern California’s Film School and University of California Berkeley’s Law School, Boalt Hall, Adam has been with the World Poker Tour since 2003. As President and CEO, Adam oversees the entire WPT, from live events to online services to the televised broadcasts. He is an alumnus of Orange High School who brings his legal expertise and business acumen to GOCAT.
Board Member
Pamela Dunn
Pam Dunn lives in Villa Park and is a residential lender at Mulberry Street Mortgage in Orange. She has been active in local politics, VP Women's League, Charter member / Vice President of the Rotary Club of Villa Park, and on the board of the Eddie Nash Foundation. She graduated from Loyola Marymount in Chicago with her master's degree. Pam and her husband Art moved here 36 years ago to raise their two daughters who now live out of the area.
A new performing arts center will not only provide the community with a new cultural center but will help increase property values.
Board Member
Packy McFarland
Packy McFarland was one of the top writer/producer/directors in the Direct Response Television industry for over 30 years. This long time Orange resident brings his extensive video and marketing skills to the GOCAT board.
"At 4 and 5 years old, my two daughters attended and participated in a children’s theater in Orange. Over the next 14 years, they gained confidence in themselves, made several lifelong friends, and today have no fear of public speaking. As adults, their joy and appreciation of music, theater, and art is a direct result of this early artistic opportunity."
Board Member
Sandy Warne
Sandy Warne is a 30 resident of Orange and a retired teacher who taught special education and used her degrees in drama and speech with regularity. A lifelong singer and performer, Sandy has always enjoyed choral as well as theatrical programs.
"Because I have been performing my entire life, I would be devastated if we had no place of our own where our community can come together to sing, perform, and experience live entertainment. Orange has needed this venue for a very long time."
Board Member
Jacqueline Geyer
Jacqueline has lived in Orange for 26 years. She and her husband Michael raised 2 children in OUSD. Jacqueline is a piano instructor and accompanist in the community and enjoys painting in her free time. Looking forward to the GOCAT theater, Jacque is excited for our students to perform and showcase their talents, to build self-esteem, and to positively impact their academic achievement and mental well-being.
Board Member
Cathy O'Donnell
Cathy O’Donnell is Vice President of Orange Community Master Chorale. She has thirty-five years’ experience working with kids in youth programs and education. Cathy is retired from Saddleback Unified School District.
"What would our world be without music? SILENT. I could not imagine myself or any one of us without music. Music is an awakening expression of life.
I started my journey with piano at the age of five. Then in high school I had the honor of performing at Dorothy Chandler Performing Arts Center. That experience opened my eyes in a way that I will never forget. I’m so blessed to have music in my life."
Board Member
Cynthia Wilson
A lifelong resident of the City of Orange, Cynthia received her BA in Communication from Chapman. She has performed in venues throughout OC. Cynthia has taught at Chapman University, OCSA, ATA program in Fullerton and directing for The Music Room.
Board Member
Randy Miller
Advisory Board
Doug Willits, Seven Gables Real Estate, Advisory Board President
Arianna Barrios, CEO, Communications LAB
Lisa Blanc, Seven Gables Real Estate
Carolyn Cavecche, President, OC Taxpayers Association
Nancy Collins, former President, Orange Library Foundation
Barry Cottle, Owner, Advanced Property Services, LLC
Eddie Espinoza, former Administrator, Orange Unified School District
Pamela Galera, Director, City of Riverside
Leslie Hardy, Director of Community Services, City of Orange
Mark Murphy, Former Mayor, City of Orange
Jeremy Rynders, Walt Disney Company
Dave Simpson, Cox Communications
Bill Utter, former CFO, Associated Labs
Jeremy Zoch, Chief Operating Officer, St. Joseph's Hospital