Our Team
The Dedicated Faces Behind the Mission
The Performing Arts Booster Club is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers and community leaders who bring a diverse range of professional skills, deep institutional knowledge, and an unwavering passion for the arts to our mission. Each member of our team is personally invested in the success of Puyallup’s student artists, dedicating countless hours to logistics, fundraising, and strategic planning. Their combined expertise—spanning finance, event management, education, and artistic direction—creates a formidable force capable of tackling the complex challenges of arts funding and resource provision. They serve as tireless advocates, ensuring that the needs of music, theater, and dance programs are heard and addressed at every level.
Sarah Chen, President
Sarah Chen, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by profession and a lifelong supporter of musical theater, has served as PFABC’s President for the past three years, bringing an essential level of financial acumen and organizational structure to the club’s operations. Her professional background in auditing and non-profit fiscal management ensures that PFABC maintains absolute transparency and efficiency in all fundraising and expenditures, giving our donors complete confidence in our mission. Beyond her financial expertise, Sarah is deeply compassionate and actively attends nearly every rehearsal and performance, often volunteering to manage ticket sales and provide logistical support to the stage crew. She has been instrumental in expanding our scholarship fund by 40% and implementing new digital platforms for streamlined volunteer coordination. Sarah’s two children are actively involved in the high school band and drama programs, giving her a vital, firsthand perspective on the daily needs and triumphs of our student artists. Her leadership is defined by a balance of rigorous fiscal responsibility and warm, enthusiastic support, making her a trusted figure among parents and educators alike who rely on her strategic guidance.
David Miller, Treasurer
David Miller holds the critical role of Treasurer, managing all incoming funds, budgeting for program needs, and overseeing the allocation of resources for various arts initiatives. With over twenty years of experience as a business development manager in the tech industry, David possesses exceptional skills in long-term financial planning and resource forecasting, which have been pivotal in establishing the club’s financial stability and growth reserves. David’s commitment to the arts stems from his own experience as a former collegiate musician; he understands the discipline and financial investment required for serious artistic pursuit. He takes a meticulous, data-driven approach to ensure that funding is distributed equitably across music, theater, and dance programs based on need and programmatic impact. David is also a gifted grant writer, successfully securing three major local grants last year alone that funded a full replacement of the high school orchestra’s aging string section instruments. His professional demeanor, combined with his caring approach to student well-being, makes him an indispensable guardian of the club’s financial health and its mission.
Lisa Rodriguez, Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa Rodriguez is the energetic force behind our community outreach and volunteer mobilization, serving as the Volunteer Coordinator. A retired elementary school teacher, Lisa’s extensive background in educational administration and community engagement has equipped her with unparalleled organizational skills and a deep understanding of managing large groups of people with diverse skill sets. She is responsible for recruiting, training, and scheduling hundreds of volunteers needed to staff events ranging from matinee performances to the annual district-wide music festival. Lisa is known for her warm, encouraging communication style and her ability to match volunteers with roles that align with their passions, creating a highly motivated and effective volunteer corps. Her caring approach ensures that every parent and community member feels valued and essential to the club’s success. Lisa’s tireless efforts are the reason that our events are always flawlessly executed and well-staffed, allowing the arts programs to maintain their high quality without logistical strain on the faculty or the students.
Michael O’Connell, Communications & Alumni Liaison
As the Communications and Alumni Liaison, Michael O’Connell is responsible for telling the PFABC story, managing our online presence, and, crucially, building lasting relationships with program alumni who can mentor current students. Michael previously worked in public relations for a regional non-profit, giving him the expertise to craft compelling narratives about the impact of the arts and effectively engage local media and community stakeholders. He manages the club’s website, social media channels, and annual report, ensuring our messaging is always professional, timely, and inspiring. His passion lies in connecting students with professional pathways; he has established a successful mentorship program that pairs college-bound performing arts students with working professionals in their field, providing invaluable guidance on auditions, portfolio development, and career navigation. Michael’s dedication ensures that the successes of our students are celebrated widely, fostering a strong sense of community and pride that extends far beyond their high school years.
Community & Engagement
A Partnership That Fuels Artistic Success and Strengthens the Entire Program
Family involvement is the bedrock upon which the Performing Arts Booster Club stands, and we actively cultivate a deep, collaborative partnership with the parents and guardians of our student artists. We believe that the most successful arts programs are those where the support system extends seamlessly from the classroom to the home and the community. Our engagement efforts include regular communications detailing program needs and successes, transparent reporting on fundraising efforts, and frequent invitations for parents to attend meetings, volunteer for roles, and participate in performance-day logistics. Parents are encouraged to contribute their time and professional skills, whether it’s managing concessions, sewing costumes, assisting with set construction, or offering professional marketing advice. This high level of family integration not only provides critical operational support but also ensures that the students see their families actively invested in and valuing their artistic pursuits. This shared commitment creates a positive, supportive atmosphere that reinforces the students’ dedication, making the arts a priority that is championed by the entire family unit and the wider community.
Join Us/Work With Us
A Career Built on Passion and Purpose
The Performing Arts Booster Club, while primarily volunteer-run, occasionally seeks dedicated administrative or program staff on a contract basis to manage large-scale projects, secure complex grants, or coordinate the logistics of a major event series. Working with PFABC means joining a mission-driven team where your professional skills directly translate into positive, transformative outcomes for young artists and the cultural vitality of the Puyallup area. We look for individuals who possess a strong blend of professional organizational skills, financial acumen, or expertise in non-profit management, coupled with an authentic and deep passion for music, theater, and dance education. Opportunities might include temporary roles such as Grant Administrator, Event Logistics Manager, or Communications Specialist, all of which require meticulous attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of educators, parents, and community stakeholders. We provide a flexible and rewarding environment where professional expertise is highly valued, and every day brings the satisfaction of knowing you are directly contributing to the success and accessibility of the arts for local students.