Community Conversation: Transparency in Nonprofit Finance / Town Hall

About The Panelists
Michael Greer is the President & CEO of ArtsFund. As a former professional dancer and experienced executive, Michael’s leadership experience spans both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. He previously held roles as the executive director of Oregon Ballet Theatre and Portland Ballet in Maine. Michael started his arts career as a dancer with Ballet West in Salt Lake City, where he danced for six years. Michael then spent nearly a decade in leadership and executive roles in manufacturing, financial services, and commodities in India and Mainland China for several multinational firms. He is a former Trustee on the Oregon Arts Commission, Cultural Advocacy Coalition, and the United Way of Greater Portland. Michael holds a B.A. in economics from Hampshire College, an M.Ed. from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School.

Nina Yarbrough, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, came to Seattle in 2014 for the MFA in Arts Leadership program at Seattle University. With a background in theatre performance, spoken word and playwriting, Nina has had a multi-faceted career. In her current role as the Business Development Manager for the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas, Nina ensures that the company has the resources it needs to grow and thrive. As a writer her work is about discovering the truth of things. Arts and culture have the power to alter our perceptions of one another and Nina is thrilled to be part of such a vibrant sector that aims to change the world for the better.

Vivian Hua 華婷婷 (she/they) is a writer, filmmaker, and organizer with semi-nomadic tendencies. As the Executive Director of Northwest Film Forum in Seattle and Editor-in-Chief of the interdisciplinary arts publication, REDEFINE, much of their work unifies their metaphysical interests with their belief that art can positively transform the self and society. Vivian regularly shares stories of observations through the storytelling newsletter, RAMBLIN’ WITH VEE! and is a Co-Founder of the civil rights film series, The Seventh Art Stand.

In 2018, Vivian released the narrative short film, Searching Skies — which touches on the controversial topic of Syrian refugee resettlement in the United States — and in 2021, Vivian will begin production on a comedic Asian-American series entitled Reckless Spirits. Vivian is passionate about cultural space, sustainable practices, and finding ways to covertly and overtly disrupt oppressive structures.

Martin Tran is the Program Manager at Shunpike, an organization best known for providing fiscal sponsorship and arts business expertise to local arts groups. As Program Manager, Martin works directly with artists to provide opportunities to showcase their talents and grow their practice. Before joining the staff, Martin became familiar with Shunpike as a client when he was a Co-Director of the Seattle Asian American Film Festival. In his own artistic career, Martin is a filmmaker, most notably serving as Executive Producer for the Vanishing Seattle docuseries. In all his endeavors, he strives to shine a bigger spotlight on all the amazing artists and stories he encounters, while putting money in people’s pockets to boot.

About Artist Trust
Artist Trust is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support and encourage artists working in all disciplines to enrich community life throughout Washington State. Since its founding in 1986, Artist Trust has invested over $10 million in individual artists through grant programs and provides a comprehensive suite of professional development training and resources to help artists achieve their career goals. Learn more at artisttrust.org.

Have Questions?
Email Program Manager Lydia Boss.