MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lissa Garcia Lucht, Chair
Born and raised in New Mexico, Lissa is a native New Mexican who cares deeply about youth and resides in Santa Fe. She is a professionally employed Information Technology worker with a deep appreciation for classical music. Lissa served for many years on the Santa Fe Youthworks Board of Directors in Santa Fe, an organization helping young people of diverse cultural and ethical backgrounds succeed in life. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern New Mexico University and her Masters of Business Administration Degree from the College of Santa Fe. Currently Lissa is attending Harvard University – Business
Analytics Program for professionals. Lissa enjoys hiking, snow skiing, traveling, and visiting opera houses. She played the flute as a child and in high school and college.
Born and raised in New Mexico, Lissa is a native New Mexican who cares deeply about youth and resides in Santa Fe. She is a professionally employed Information Technology worker with a deep appreciation for classical music. Lissa served for many years on the Santa Fe Youthworks Board of Directors in Santa Fe, an organization helping young people of diverse cultural and ethical backgrounds succeed in life. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern New Mexico University and her Masters of Business Administration Degree from the College of Santa Fe. Currently Lissa is attending Harvard University – Business
Analytics Program for professionals. Lissa enjoys hiking, snow skiing, traveling, and visiting opera houses. She played the flute as a child and in high school and college.
Susan Steffy, Secretary
Susan joined the board in 1999 after her son, Jesse, graduated the Youth Symphony Orchestra after participating in the orchestra its first five years. Her first task as a new board member was to help launch the “Little Mozart” (now Elementary Strings) string instruction program in the public schools and was excited to see the students’ enthusiasm for this opportunity. Watching the students develop into skilled musicians and mature young people continues to thrill her and brings meaning to her commitment to the work of SFYSA. She has lived in the Santa Fe area since 1976 working both as a fine art photographer and as a massage therapist.
Susan joined the board in 1999 after her son, Jesse, graduated the Youth Symphony Orchestra after participating in the orchestra its first five years. Her first task as a new board member was to help launch the “Little Mozart” (now Elementary Strings) string instruction program in the public schools and was excited to see the students’ enthusiasm for this opportunity. Watching the students develop into skilled musicians and mature young people continues to thrill her and brings meaning to her commitment to the work of SFYSA. She has lived in the Santa Fe area since 1976 working both as a fine art photographer and as a massage therapist.
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Don O'Sullivan, Member
is a husband and father of three young violinists. Don has witnessed the emotional and intellectual benefits of music in his children's lives having spent countless hours supporting practice, rehearsals, and recitals (and yes, sometimes it is very hard work). Don is honored to serve the community by supporting the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, as it and its staff, are a treasure for northern New Mexico and its youth. Professionally, Don is a Program Manager at a national laboratory and a long-time national security professional, serving in a wide variety of management and leadership roles. He has a Ph.D. in mechanical design focused on acoustics and vibration, dual master degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Technology Policy, and dual bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Russian. Don is an avid skier and mountain biker, whose athletic ambitions often exceed his abilities. |
Lee Rand, Member
Lee Rand and his wife, Joohee Rand are the parents of Luke (violin) and Jaden (cello). Lee enjoys actively working to support the SFYSA and the vision of the entire dedicated team. “The SFYSA enriches the lives of children and families in the Santa Fe community and it is an honor to support that effort and give back a little bit of what our family has received.” Professionally Lee is a Partner at Sun Mountain Capital and has spent his career starting, managing or investing in technology businesses. He has an MBA and a dual BA in computer science and mathematics with a minor in English and Native American studies. In his free time, he enjoys skiing and biking with the family and traveling as much as possible.
Lee Rand and his wife, Joohee Rand are the parents of Luke (violin) and Jaden (cello). Lee enjoys actively working to support the SFYSA and the vision of the entire dedicated team. “The SFYSA enriches the lives of children and families in the Santa Fe community and it is an honor to support that effort and give back a little bit of what our family has received.” Professionally Lee is a Partner at Sun Mountain Capital and has spent his career starting, managing or investing in technology businesses. He has an MBA and a dual BA in computer science and mathematics with a minor in English and Native American studies. In his free time, he enjoys skiing and biking with the family and traveling as much as possible.
David H Rogers, Member
David H Rogers is a passionate advocate for music education and community-based performance. He most recently served as president of the Los Alamos Jazz Project, helping to grow music education and performance for kids in both middle and high school. He is a jazz bassist, and performs as often as he can in small combos. He holds a BA in architecture from Princeton University, a Masters in Computer Science from UNM, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
David H Rogers is a passionate advocate for music education and community-based performance. He most recently served as president of the Los Alamos Jazz Project, helping to grow music education and performance for kids in both middle and high school. He is a jazz bassist, and performs as often as he can in small combos. He holds a BA in architecture from Princeton University, a Masters in Computer Science from UNM, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Kirstin Bruner, Member
Kirstin Bruner moved to Santa Fe in 2021 and wanted to find a community when she found SFYSA. She loves being a part of an organization that brings music to those who may not have the opportunity otherwise. Kirstin Smith grew up and currently lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and has loved music all her life. She played in many different bands and played alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, and trombone. Since graduating from the University of Montana with a BA in communications, she's had the privilege to live in New York City, New Zealand, Vermont, and now Santa Fe. Music and community from being in bands made such a difference for Kirstin growing up. She’s so excited to continue working with SFYSA to support the staff, and the musicians of Santa Fe remotely from Alaska.
Kirstin Bruner moved to Santa Fe in 2021 and wanted to find a community when she found SFYSA. She loves being a part of an organization that brings music to those who may not have the opportunity otherwise. Kirstin Smith grew up and currently lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and has loved music all her life. She played in many different bands and played alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, and trombone. Since graduating from the University of Montana with a BA in communications, she's had the privilege to live in New York City, New Zealand, Vermont, and now Santa Fe. Music and community from being in bands made such a difference for Kirstin growing up. She’s so excited to continue working with SFYSA to support the staff, and the musicians of Santa Fe remotely from Alaska.
Mary-Ellen Staib, Member
Mary Ellen moved to Santa Fe, NM in August of 2020 after her husband started working for Meow Wolf. She is a stay at home mom of three boys. She grew up on Long Island NY, moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 2001, and received an Associates in Science for Horticulture. She worked several years as Head Groundskeeper for a Country Club in Pittsburgh, and moved to Southern California in 2005. She spent 10 years working as a Head Estate Gardener for a family in Santa Monica, CA before becoming a stay at home mom after her second child, who is special needs, was born. MaryEllen loves to cook from scratch everyday, bake when the weather is nice, garden, hike, and spend time listening to music with her family. Santa Fe has quickly become the best place she's ever lived. The music and art opportunities available for children are incredible.
Mary Ellen moved to Santa Fe, NM in August of 2020 after her husband started working for Meow Wolf. She is a stay at home mom of three boys. She grew up on Long Island NY, moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 2001, and received an Associates in Science for Horticulture. She worked several years as Head Groundskeeper for a Country Club in Pittsburgh, and moved to Southern California in 2005. She spent 10 years working as a Head Estate Gardener for a family in Santa Monica, CA before becoming a stay at home mom after her second child, who is special needs, was born. MaryEllen loves to cook from scratch everyday, bake when the weather is nice, garden, hike, and spend time listening to music with her family. Santa Fe has quickly become the best place she's ever lived. The music and art opportunities available for children are incredible.