Chris Lye & Rocky
Sage
Neeta Moonka

Chris has spent the last two decades working in technology and video game marketing. Now, he focuses on supporting small businesses and nonprofits.

However, he recently rediscovered his passion for oil painting and comic art. This creative return happened through his connection with Kirkland Arts Center.

As a result, Chris strongly believes in the power of art as therapy. In addition, he believes creative expression should be accessible to everyone.

Sage Sommer is a leader in contemporary art logistics with more than 20 years of experience. She has worked with nonprofit art museums and civic arts initiatives.

Currently, she serves as Director of Exhibitions and Collections at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle. In this role, she oversees the care and presentation of the museum’s collections and exhibitions. In addition, she supports artists through thoughtful planning and stewardship.

Moreover, Sage serves as the Washington State Representative for the Association of Art Museum Galleries. Previously, she served on the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission from 2024 to 2026.

Above all, she is committed to amplifying artists’ voices. She also works to foster meaningful public engagement through the arts.

Neeta is both a physician and a ceramic artist. She first attended medical school in Philadelphia.

Later, she completed residencies in anesthesia and pediatrics in New York City. Currently, she works in administration at Virginia Mason.

Meanwhile, Neeta has studied ceramics for more than 20 years. For the past ten years, she has been a student at Kirkland Arts Center.

As a result, she hopes to bring a valuable student perspective to the board.

Inspired by artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, she embraces a broad definition of art. In addition, she believes nearly everyone is an artist. Therefore, she feels everyone deserves the opportunity to create.

Carrie Cassidy
Katherine Vincent
Joe Werede

Carrie has been an artist and creator throughout her life. She grew up in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

There, she was surrounded by a rich arts culture and beautiful natural landscapes. As a result, creativity became a lasting part of her life.

Later, she moved to Seattle and has called it home for nearly 30 years. She graduated from the University of Washington three times. In addition, she earned a B.S. in Construction Management. She also completed certificates in Training & Development and Photography.

Throughout her career, Carrie has worked on many historic building renovations. She has also supported several arts-related construction projects in the Seattle area. Therefore, she is excited to share her expertise in caring for the Peter Kirk Building.

In addition to photography, Carrie enjoys watercolor journaling and encaustic painting. She also loves knitting and working on her home.

Katherine is a lifelong resident of Kirkland. She attended Pacific Lutheran University before beginning her professional career.

She then spent many years working at Nordstrom. Over time, her passion for design helped her rise to the role of European Designer Buyer.

During this period, Katherine also developed a love of travel. As a result, she often visited New York, Milan, Paris, and Florence to view designer collections.

In 2015, Katherine began working with Windermere Real Estate as a luxury broker in the Kirkland area. In addition, she partners with the Windermere Foundation. This nonprofit helps local families access education, social services, and housing.

Above all, Katherine values community and strong relationships. Therefore, she believes everyone deserves access to the arts. She hopes to support and amplify Kirkland Arts Center’s mission and vision.

Joe Werede is a Kirkland-based entrepreneur, musician, and community builder. He focuses on strengthening communities through art, music, and entertainment.

Drawing from his creative roots, Joe builds platforms that bring people together. In addition, he draws on professional experience at Meta and Pinterest. As a result, he creates inclusive cultural spaces that celebrate creativity and connection.

Joe is the founder of Blush Lounge, Habibi Lounge, and SZNS Concept Store. Each space highlights global culture and creative expression. Moreover, they are designed to build community and shared experiences.

His work has been featured in Time Magazine, LA Weekly, and other publications.

In addition, Joe serves on the Kirkland Black Community Police Advisory Committee. Through this work, he supports dialogue, equity, and community trust.

David Reid

David Reid is a veteran of video game marketing with more than 20 years of experience. He began his career at Microsoft, where he helped launch the Xbox 360.

Over time, David held several C-level roles across the gaming industry. Currently, he leads his own consulting practice, Reid Consulting Labs.

In addition to his work in games, David has built a diverse professional background. For example, he served as an Air Defense Artillery officer in the U.S. Army. He also worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. Furthermore, he founded four different companies.

Meanwhile, David has been an active patron of Kirkland Arts Center for several years. As a result, he joined the Board in January 2026.

Based in Seattle, David enjoys both video and tabletop gaming. He is also an adventure traveler. In 2022, he summited Mount Kilimanjaro. Then, in 2023, he trekked to Everest Base Camp.

Role of the Board

The Board of Directors plays a vital role in the leadership of Kirkland Arts Center. The Board provides the guidance and support necessary for KAC to fulfill its mission, vision, and goals. Board members actively participate in areas such as finance, marketing, fundraising, and strategic and event planning.

Join the Board

The Kirkland Arts Center (KAC) is always looking for dynamic leaders, visionaries, and arts enthusiasts to help the center continue to grow and thrive.

The board is responsible for making key decisions regarding KAC’s mission, strategy, and goals, and ensuring the organization operates in compliance with legal and ethical standards. Through individual committee assignments, board members also participate in areas such as finance, fundraising, DEI strategy, and board governance.

About Kirkland Arts Center (KAC)

Kirkland Arts Center is a nonprofit visual arts school and gallery, as well as the owner steward of the historic Peter Kirk Building. KAC was founded as the Creative Arts League in 1962 by artists and citizens who were interested in providing local opportunities in the arts and a passion for preserving the Peter Kirk Building. 

For more than 60 years, KAC has owned and maintained this historic structure and transformed it into an exhibition gallery, community arts studio, and home to 2D and 3D art classrooms that serve Eastside students of all ages and skill levels.

KAC’s Mission

Cultivating Quality Arts Experiences, Connecting Communities, and Increasing Creative Engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities of KAC’s Board of Directors

Each individual board member is expected to:

  • commit to a three-year term; 
  • give a meaningful personal financial donation that places KAC in your top 3 philanthropic commitments annually;
  • participate fully in one or more KAC standing committees;
  • Understand the Fiduciary Responsibilities of a board;
  • know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs;
  • follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions;
  • Act as advocates and ambassadors for KAC, leveraging social networks and resources to support the organization;
  • prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in monthly board meetings, especially faithfully reading and understanding the organization’s financial statements;
  • maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization.

To satisfy its fiduciary duties as the leadership body of the Kirkland Arts Center, the board of directors as a whole is responsible for:

  • making key decisions regarding the organization’s mission, strategy, and goals;
  • selecting and evaluating the performance of the executive director;
  • strategic and organizational planning;
  • ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management;
  • fundraising and resource development;
  • enhancing the organization’s public image; and
  • assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization.
 

Advisory Council

John Adams
Harmony Arnold
Vince Ball
Carol Belval
Lani Brockman
Evelyn Bundesmann
Hubert Cheng
Don Dicks
Kathy Feek

Mary Lu Hawes
Ryan James
Robin Lin
Grace MacArthur
Joan McBride
Will McDermott
Suzy Mings
Susan Pappalardo
Marty Peterson
Marcelo Prieto
Gary Rubin
Beatriz Soriano
Jaime Soule
Susan Thurston