Meet the SBMT Board Candidates, 2021!

South Bay Musical Theatre is holding their annual election for Board members, in August, 2021. Members elected during this period will serve for two years, from August, 2021 through June, 2023. Eligible voting members will receive an electronic ballot in early August (see About Board Elections below for more details).

The following sections introduce each candidate running for the Board for 2021-2023, and provide an overview about elections. Each SBMT Board candidate provides a bio so that SBMT voting members may review it when choosing candidates.

Candidates, listed alphabetically by first name:

• Aly Suleman
• Barbara Heninger
• Doy Charnsupharindr
• Jennifer C. Maggio
• Michael Hirsch
• Steve Sammonds
• Tipu Purkayastha

Aly Suleman

Why would you like to serve on the board?
I would be honored to contribute in my full capacity to the organization that kept theatre accessible and alive for me, especially in a time that I did not think possible. From just the time I’ve spent on the CIA (Community, Inclusion, and Accountability) committee, I can see the changes taking place and the trajectory of SBMT, especially as it pertains to representation in the greater community. At the same time, I see so much potential for growth in the company and believe that I may be able to offer a fresh perspective on our practices and the way they may impact different groups – as a lover of theatre and also as a BIPOC performer.

How would your service benefit SBMT?
Much of my experience in performing arts overlaps with serving on student-run boards. My work with these groups in the past has taught me much not only about how to run a theatre company, but also board dynamics. Additionally, I’ve also seen first-hand how ideas and personalities can sometimes clash, and through two years of serving on three boards, I’ve learned the importance of resolving the conflict in a win-win manner, potentially turning clashing ideas into synergizing ones.

How do you anticipate managing your time in order to fulfill the requirements and expectations of the director position? Do you anticipate any challenges to serving?
I know managing my time is critical, especially as a medical student. Currently, I am studying for the US Medical Licensing Exam Step 1, which I have scheduled to take in the fall. I anticipate that attending shows will be difficult during this study period leading up to the exam. Going forward, I will be starting hospital rotations later this year or early next year, during which time conflicts are bound to arise. I deeply value good and timely communication (’cause teamwork makes the dream work!), so for me, it is my highest priority. Given these major career events, I will do my best to live up to all of the Board Expectations and contribute to SBMT in the best ways that I can.

Do you have any volunteer or leadership experience with nonprofit or for‐profit organizations?
Yes, I served on the executive boards for College Players, which is University of San Francisco’s student-run theatre company (oldest in the western US!), Voices, which is USF’s student-run choir and acapella organization, and Tri-Beta, which is USF’s biology honors society. I served officially as the marketing/PR coordinator for all three organizations, but also unofficially supported with finance, organizational development, recruiting, producing, communications, and overall management. Currently, I’m working on getting certified in the medical community as a Mind-Body Medicine Ambassador to lead people to healing through self-expression and trauma release.

Please share your skills, experience and interests:
Theater production
Public relations, Communications

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’ve had such a great time being in SBMT productions and engaging with the people that make up our community with a love and passion for theatre. I am so grateful to be a part of SBMT and I appreciate you giving me a chance to help steer our ship!

Barbara Heninger

Why would you like to serve on the board?
I served on the SBMT Board for six years, and in 2020 I stepped down for a term limit break as required in the SBMT by-laws. I am interested in helping the Board continue its work to ensure the company is on sound financial footing, operates in an equitable fashion, follows good business practices, and gives creative voice to all diverse members of the community. I’m also interested in helping the organization handle the continuing transitions due to CA assembly bill AB5, and due to the pandemic.

How would your service benefit SBMT?
I have a strong belief in supporting the current movement to ensure that diverse voices in the community are sought out and heard. Over the past year and a half I have come to really understand the value of listening rather than speaking, and will strive to make sure that I truly listen. I have past experience as a manager of an international department and learned to work with people from many countries in Europe and Asia as well as the US.

How do you anticipate managing your time in order to fulfill the requirements and expectations of the director position? Do you anticipate any challenges to serving? 
I retired from full-time work in 2020, so I believe I should have enough time to assist SBMT. I am also practiced in the art of connecting through Zoom meetings!

Do you have any volunteer or leadership experience with nonprofit or for‐profit organizations?
I have experience serving on other non-profit arts boards (Schola Cantorum ( 10 years), Sunnyvale Singers (~5 years), West Valley Masterworks Chorale (~5 years), Redwood Symphony (10 years)), and 6 years of past experience on the Board of SBMT. I have a good understanding of SBMT’s recent history, and of the best practices and challenges for arts organizations.

Please share your skills, experience and interests:
Theater production
Public relations, communications
Special events
Construction skills
Grant writing
Fundraising
Technical skills (computer databases, electronic communications and website creation and maintenance)

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Full disclosure: I have a brother who works for Musson Theatrical, which is bidding on a contract with the City of Saratoga to upgrade the sound and lighting systems. My brother helped prepare the bid.

Doy Charnsupharindr

Why would you like to serve on the board?
I am passionate about theatre and have been part of the Bay Area theatre community since 2014. I believe that theatre has the power to inspire people and uplift the community. To do so, there’s a lot that needs to happen on and off the stage. I want to serve on SBMT’s Board of Directors to contribute to SBMT’s mission to make a positive impact on the community it serves. As a BIPOC artist, I would also like to contribute to create an inclusive and empowering environment for other BIPOC artists.

How would your service benefit SBMT?
As an artist, I’ve worked with various theatre companies in the Bay Area. I’ve also built a strong network of actors and theatre makers over the past 7 years. I feel I can bring beneficial perspectives to the board. In addition, I also have over 12 years of experience as a business executive, overseeing the strategy and operations of small to large organizations. I also teach and coach other executives in the areas of leadership, teamwork, and organizational development.

How do you anticipate managing your time in order to fulfill the requirements and expectations of the director position? Do you anticipate any challenges to serving? 
I have a lot of experience managing different priorities in my career. As long as I am clear on the expectations, I have no problem fulfilling them. That said, it is likely that there may be conflicts at times. When those conflicts happen, I am very good at communicating and following up.

Do you have any volunteer or leadership experience with nonprofit or for‐profit organizations?
Yes, I’ve served in several executive positions over the past 17 years. I am currently the CEO of the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute (www.berkeleyeci.com). I am also an executive coach for other executives from leading organizations worldwide.

Please share your skills, experience and interests:
Theater production
Finance, accounting

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’ve really enjoyed being part of SBMT’s productions in the past year. I plan to continue participating in future productions as much as I can. If I could support SBMT’s mission and vision, I would very much enjoy the opportunity.

Jennifer C. Maggio

Why would you like to serve on the board?
I have a deep passion for the theatre arts. I was a board member for another community theatre for several years. Serving on the board was my way of giving back and ensuring that the arts stay available. SBMT has been working very hard to refine its voice and provide an Inclusive environment, dedicated to creating quality art. These resonate with me and I would love to help SBMT accomplish their goals.

How would your service benefit SBMT?
I currently work as the VP, Corporate Controller of a medical device company and was on the board for another theatre company as the Treasurer for several years. I’ve assisted with transitioning some of the accounting systems and collaborated with the other board members to build processes to accommodate AB5. I would continue to work with the team to further build upon these processes and create strategies to help scale with the organizations’ return back to full operations post-pandemic. My past experience includes implementing/upgrading accounting systems, implementing a seasonal budgeting process aligned with organization goals, and increasing visibility and better management decision-making efforts through improved financial reporting capabilities.

How do you anticipate managing your time in order to fulfill the requirements and expectations of the director position? Do you anticipate any challenges to serving?
Finding enough people to engage on a volunteer basis can be difficult. Therefore, to promote people to share some of their time, I believe the organization must understand what the priorities are as a whole and the Board composition should strive for diversity in their contributions. It is important to understand what strengths each person can bring to the organization, focusing on a few initiatives and not overextending themselves. By doing this, everyone steers the ship in the same direction collectively and focuses everyone’s time and energy on different aspects of a common goal. Clear defined goals with milestones and pre-determined due dates sets everyone up for success.

In contrast though, I believe It’s also important to stay flexible and adaptable. Changes In directions do occur. During these times, open communication to set expectations will help everyone to manage and balance responsibilities and time requirements.

Do you have any volunteer or leadership experience with nonprofit or for‐profit organizations?
I’ve served as SBMt’s CFO for the past 2 years. Previously I served as Treasurer for approximately 7 years for another theatre company. In addition, I am the VP, Corporate Controller for a life science company and manage the Accounting and Finance teams. Lastly, as a public accountant, I had several nonprofit organizations as my clients, Including SHN and The Tech Museum.

Please share your skills, experience and interests
Theater production
Finance, accounting

Michael Hirsch

Why would you like to serve on the board?
I enjoy contributing to causes larger than myself that, through my active participation and attention, I believe will benefit from my perspective, expertise and human-power. SBMT encompasses many aspects of what I believe this community needs to live fulfilling lives and I would like to see it succeed for the long-term.

How would your service benefit SBMT?
I have been an artist, a learner, a leader, a problem-solver, a maker and one-who-plays all my life professionally and for everyday enjoyment. I have just completed two years on the SBMT board and feel I still have much I can contribute to ensure the company continues to enrich the community through performances, workshops and theatre-making.

How do you anticipate managing your time in order to fulfill the requirements and expectations of the director position? Do you anticipate any challenges to serving?
I have not had any trouble these last two years managing my time and serving. When cast in a show, I know to make sure my second Wednesday every month is left open.

Do you have any volunteer or leadership experience with nonprofit or for‐profit organizations? 
I served on the board for Forest Park Cabana Club and on SBMT’s board. I have volunteered my time and treasure for many different organizations over the years building playgrounds, constructing Back To School kits, raising money for holiday gifts and most recently painting the dojo for the Japanese Arts & Cultural Center. Most of my professional career has been in leadership positions as a Product Manager.

Please share your skills, experience and interests:
Theater production
Finance, accounting
Public relations, communications
Special events
Construction skills
Grant writing
Fundraising
Technical skills

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m proud of the work the SBMT committees were able to accomplish these last two extraordinary and unprecedented years in establishing a fundraising wing, the eStudio, more equitable practices and positioning the company such that it can open to live in-person audiences again.

Steve Sammonds

Why would you like to serve on the board?
I have been a member of SBMT since my first show in 2014. I joined the board in 2017 in part to offer representation for someone fairly new to SBMT. Being eligible to serve one more successive term, I want to continue serving on the board to continue the good work the board has accomplished in meeting the ongoing challenges of increasing costs, defining the purpose and mission of SBMT, while ensuring we meet the needs of our community, including our patrons, creative staff and artists, crews, volunteers, musicians and onstage talent. I am particularly proud of how the organization has handled the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and AB5, and our commitment to improving SBMT’s reputation with regards to inclusion and diversity.

How would your service benefit SBMT?
My background includes 25 years as music/artistic director of a local barbershop chorus, board member of a regional district of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and professional work in customer support including internal quality assurance and measuring customer satisfaction via post-contact surveys. For the past four years I have been responsible for SBMT’s show participant and patron surveys that help inform the board on decisions regarding operations, season show selection, and overall satisfaction with SBMT. The most recent survey gauged patron comfort and expectations regarding post-pandemic reopening. I am a member of the Organizational Development Committee. I look forward to continuing our work in building and growing SBMT as we move into post-pandemic operations and safely resume creating amazing musical theatre experiences for both our audiences and our participating artists.

How do you anticipate managing your time in order to fulfill the requirements and expectations of the director position? Do you anticipate any challenges to serving?
I do not anticipate any challenges at this time. Even when rehearsing and performing in shows, I have managed a good attendance record at meetings over my first two terms. As a board veteran I understand the duties and volunteer opportunities beyond the monthly board meetings and expect to continue stepping up when needed.

Do you have any volunteer or leadership experience with nonprofit or for‐profit organizations? 
Non-profit:
Music director/artistic director of the Palo Alto-Mountain View Chapter, Barbershop Harmony Society
(The Peninsulaires Chorus)
Division Vice President, Far Western District Association of Chapters, Barbershop Harmony Society
Chairman, Long Range Planning Committee, Far Western District BHS

For-profit:
Assistant Manager, Customer Support Operations, Electronic Arts
Lead Census Field Manager, U.S. Census Bureau San Jose Area Census Office (2020 Census)

Please share your skills, experience and interests:
Theatre production
Public relations, communications
Other: Customer service, customer surveys and data analysis

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am a firm believer that a healthy, vibrant community theatre is an essential part of adding to the quality of life in our area. I am proud of SBMT’s recent achievements including the recognition of several productions by the TBA Awards. As we emerge from the unexpected pandemic closure, I hope to resume exploring ways to partner with local high schools and youth organizations to encourage the next generation of theater enthusiasts in the house, on stage, and behind the scenes.

Tipu Purkayastha

Why would you like to serve on the board?
I am very interested in the performing arts, and as a member of the Saratoga community for over two decades, I would like to serve in a role that benefits the South Bay, and contributes to our shared cultural space. I have seen how popular SBMT’s shows are, and have enjoyed them myself over the years. I was also inspired by how active SBMT was during the pandemic, and how well it interacted with its online audience. I feel SBMT’s current leadership has done a great job, and an opportunity to work with them to make a difference in the lives of our community members would be an honor.

How would your service benefit SBMT?
I haven’t had any governance or board experience in an arts organization, but my love for musical theater along with my two decades of experience in global high tech companies in the Valley as a human resources leader, will make a difference to SBMT and provide a new perspective. As an immigrant from India, I am both aware of the power of narrative to build a community and the unique role music and dance play in creating an experience that transcends limitations of language and imagination. Furthermore, my MBA degree and skills in talent management, business software and analytics would be an asset. I can see myself contributing to all the BOD subcommittees. I am a Saratoga resident since 2000, and my wife for much longer, including attending Saratoga High as a student. Our two kids attend local Saratoga schools. Giving something back to Saratoga’s economy would be an honor.

How do you anticipate managing your time in order to fulfill the requirements and expectations of the director position? Do you anticipate any challenges to serving?
My job (HR leader of a business unit in a semiconductor company) is global in nature and requires frequent travel to Asia & Europe. Due to the pandemic that has been on halt for now, but I anticipate it coming back once travel gets normalized. This could affect my ability to physically join meetings, but I could still participate on Zoom. Other than that, I have the usual demands of family time as anyone else but it does provide me with time to follow other passions.

Do you have any volunteer or leadership experience with nonprofit or for‐profit organizations?
I lead my business school’s US alumni chapter and organize online events and local meets for alumni and families. Our last in person event, in 2019, had 50 alumni and their families. Like SBMT we pivoted to online events last year which were very popular. I lead a team of volunteers and raise funds for this biannual event. Other than that, I have in the past led industry groups in HR (elected as well nominated), and as an undergraduate student led our college film society.

Please share your skills, experience and interests:
Public relations, communications
Special events
Technical skills

Is there anything else you’d like to share? 
My interest in musical theater started from Hollywood musicals on TCM when I lived in India. After I moved to the US, I got interested in original Cast Recordings of golden era musicals and created my own mix tapes of favorite songs by borrowing CD’s from the various local libraries. Since then I have read books and newspaper reviews of American theater and attended performances at various venues across the US whenever possible. I am excited that I am applying for this BOD role today, and am in a position to contribute to this grand American tradition of community theater and what it means.

About Board elections

Each SBMT Board member holds their Board position for two years, from July to June, and then must run again if they wish to serve. Members serve overlapping terms, with six of the 12 members ending their terms each June. A member can only serve on the Board for six consecutive years, and then must step down for a minimum of one year. Members may also choose to retire from the Board for other reasons. It is because of retirements that we have seven openings this year instead of the usual six.

In 2021, four Board members are retiring: Dallas Carter, Dave Leon, Kevin Brownstein, and Nique Eagen. We thank them all for their service! In addition, Jennifer Maggio, Michael Hirsch, and Steve Sammonds have each completed a two-year term and are running for re-election.

Board members continuing on the Board: Dan Singletary, Edward Hunter, Jay Steele, Raiña Parks, and Sharon Peng.