PRESIDENT

KATHLEEN MCGHEE OLSON (she/her) is thrilled to join the Town Hall Board and looks forward to an exciting year ahead. After acting and directing in local community theatre and as a former member of the Moraga Playhouse Board, Kathleen has an appreciation for the importance of the Historic Town Hall as a valuable part of the Lamorinda community, as well as the educational and developmental value of the Town Hall Children’s and Main Stage Theatre programs. Kathleen is a native of Lamorinda, and has lived in Lafayette for 13 years. She is a busy Landscape Designer and still keeps it fresh by dabbling in scene study, singing and Improv.

VICE PRESIDENT

LAURA BERGMAN (she/her) has served the non-profit sector for almost 30 years. She started her career in California politics before earning a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. After graduation, she spent four years overseas, creating the first-ever Parliamentary internships in Eastern Europe, then starting an arts foundation in Prague. Back in the U.S., Laura worked at the Exploratorium Museum before becoming the executive director of Z Space Theater, where she still serves on the board. She also serves two other nonprofits, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Job Forum, as a panelist, and KidNuz as an advisory board member. She currently works part-time consulting, and teaching nonprofit management. She lives in Lafayette with her family.

SECRETARY

LULU BRAUNSTEIN (she/her) firmly believes in the power of performing arts because of its ability to both inspire us and to settle our egos in one evening of entertainment! It brings communities together, enhancing empathy, understanding, and learning. Lulu grew up in an “am dram” family in England and worked in production for live televised events in London quite a few moons ago. For the past ten or so years she has produced and directed elementary school musicals. She has loved witnessing the families appreciation of the multi-dimensional qualities of working in a theatrical cast - life skills that are critical to the vibrant health and well-being of our community Lulu is thrilled to finally be able to pay back Town Hall for all the years of fun it has given her and her family by being on the Board.

TREASURER

UDIT NAGAR (he/him) is thrilled to be joining the Town Hall Board. He has lived in Lafayette for 6 years with his wife, two kids, and labradoodle, and loves giving back to the Lamorinda community. Udit works in the financial services industry. He is currently a Vice President at J.P. Morgan in their Innovation Economy group focusing on healthcare companies. Udit enjoys using his financial analysis and planning skills to help support Town Hall’s growth and sustainability. When he is not working in downtown San Francisco or working on Town Hall projects, you can usually find him at the Lafayette Coffee House having drinks on the patio on Friday afternoons.

LYLE BARRERE (he/his) is thrilled to be finally on the board at Town Hall! He began his theatre career when he 11 walking down the street from Stanley to Town Hall after school and has now worked over 400 shows as a producer, director, sound or lighting designer, and stage manger for many professional companies in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. His designs have been nominated for Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award and Shellie Awards and been awarded TBA Awards. Lyle is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in Physics. When not in the theatre Lyle enjoys working with his nonprofit trust, hiking, camping and scuba diving. He was awarded the Eagle Scout Award from BSA Troop 204 (right across the street). He is the owner of Desired Effect a full service theatrical effects company in the Bay Area. www.Desired-Effect.com.

ROB SEITELMAN (he/him) has worked as an actor, playwright, director, and educator in schools and theatres across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and New York. Currently, he lives in Moraga with his wife, two amazing daughters, and three fantastic animals. When not supporting live theatre, Rob can be found focused on education reform. He enjoys cooking, running, hiking, and movies.

HEATHER COUSINS (she/her) A Lafayette community member, Heather Cousins is a native Bay Area Shellie Award winning actress, teacher, and director. She double majored in Dramatic Art and English at UC Santa Barbara and received her Master's Degree in Theatre Practice at Exeter University in England. For 25 years, Heather has taught Drama and Stagecraft at Miramonte High School in Orinda where she has directed over 70 plays and musicals and has worked with over 2000 hardworking, multi-talented young theatre artists. Most recently, she directed A Christmas Story on Town Hall’s main stage. Heather is honored to serve as a Town Hall board member alongside its creative and dedicated team in this impactful and historical theatre setting.

BRIAN FOLEY (he/him) is honored to be able to join the Board of Directors at Town Hall! A San Jose native, he has spent the better part of the last 10 years doing technical design work (primarily Sound Design) across the US for professional theaters, state universities, community theaters, and private ventures alike. Brian's primary occupation is in IT as a private cloud engineer. He is back in the bay as of 2024, and is looking forward to contributing to a growing community in Lafayette. When he's not working, you will find him either on the slopes in Tahoe, on a rollercoaster, traveling abroad with his wife, or curled up at home with a video game.

ANDRÉE HURST (she/her) is a songwriter, vocalist, and nonprofit leader based in Lafayette, California. She is co-founder and Executive Director of Front Porch Music, a community-based nonprofit supporting adult musicians, seniors, and emerging artists through open mics, songwriter sessions, and live performance opportunities, including a quarterly showcase series at the historic Town Hall Theatre. As a performing artist, Andrée is lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Lonesome Eddie & the Saddle Sores and performs with the Blue River Band on guitar, fiddle, and vocals. Her original songwriting explores themes of tradition and storytelling, and she recently released a collection of songs on Spotify titled Chasing the Moon. In addition to her work in music, Andrée has a background in communications, publishing, and nonprofit program development, having led national campaigns and managed media and community engagement initiatives. She serves on the board of the Lafayette Historical Society and is deeply engaged in fostering a vibrant local arts community.

MARK TICE (he/him) is a recently retired technology executive with a strong tract record of growing revenue including two successful exits as a CEO. With two adult children, Mark is fortunate to have his daughter living with me and his son close by in San Francisco. Mark loves Lafayette—since moving here 2 years ago he enjoys exploring the great network of trails as well as sampling the wonderful restaurants downtown. Now that he’s retired, Mark wants to give back to the community. Town Hall Theatre is a great venue and Mark looks forward to working with the team to increase awareness and community participation. 

NISHA MACMILLAN (she/her) is thrilled to join the Town Hall Theatre Board of Directors, where she looks forward to contributing to the organization’s continued growth and community impact. An engaged Lafayette resident, Nisha serves as the Vice President of GTM Strategy and Operations at Thinkific. With a professional background rooted in revenue strategy, operational excellence, and business scaling, she brings a data-driven approach to Town Hall Theatre’s long-term sustainability.

Nisha is a firm believer in the power of the performing arts to serve as a vital anchor for the community, providing a rare space for intergenerational interaction and personal growth. Having seen the transformative impact of Town Hall’s educational programs on local youth, including her own children, she is passionate about ensuring the organization remains a successful cultural pillar for future generations. On the Board, Nisha focuses on bridging the gap between artistic vision and strategic growth, utilizing her expertise to help ensure Town Hall continues to enrich the cultural and civic life of Lafayette.