NW/BCA Staff

Executive Director: Virginia Willard
Virginia Willard has been Executive Director since January, 2000. Virginia spent 27 years in banking, and was most recently senior vice president of First Interstate Bank of Oregon (now Wells Fargo Bank.) She has served on many arts boards, including ten years on the board of Portland Opera, and four years on the Metropolitan Arts Commission (predecessor to the Regional Arts and Culture Council), serving as chair of both organizations. Virginia's telephone number is 503-228-2977 and her email address is virginia@nwbca.org.

Associate Director: Susan Myers
Susan Myers has been with NW/BCA since 1994. She has planned and implemented all NW/BCA programs, including the Arts Breakfast of Champions, Art of Leadership and Behind the Scenes member receptions. Susan is currently focused on launching NW/BCA's new Business Volunteers for the Arts program. She earned her B.A. in art history from the University of Colorado and worked previously at the Washington Commission for the Humanities and the International Sculpture Center. Susan can be reached at 503-228-2977 and her email address is susan@nwbca.org.

Member Relations Manager: Erin Graham
Erin Graham returned to the Northwest to join NW/BCA in October 2008. She previously served as a director and in-house counsel at a Madison, WI-based company dedicated to supporting independent musicians reach audiences with innovative technologies. Before moving to the Midwest, Erin was Managing Director of Stark Raving Theatre in Portland. She also contributed as a theater representative to The Cultural Plan for Oregon and a grant panelist to the Regional Arts & Culture Council. An Oregon native, Erin earned her B.A. magna cum laude in English from the University of Oregon Honors College. Erin graduated with a MBA in Arts Administration and a JD from University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2006. Erin's phone number is 503-228-2977and her email is erin@nwbca.org.

Program Associate: Jessica Stern
Jessica Stern recently joined the NW/BCA staff in September 2008. She has worked in politics, for Zimbabwe Artists Project and as an Event Coordinator for Lewis and Clark College. Jessica earned her B.A. in music and French studies from Lewis and Clark College. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Public Administration with a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Portland State University. Jessica comes to NW/BCA with a deep passion for the arts. She can be reached at 503-228-2977 and her email is jessica@nwbca.org