Staff

Margaret M. White (Peggy), Executive Director

Ms. White has 25 years’ experience in non-profit management. Fourteen years ago, she landed the job of her dreams when she became Executive Director of the Diablo Regional Arts Association. It was an ideal opportunity because this position blended her professional background with her passion for the arts. She danced professionally with the Atlanta Ballet and Joffrey Ballet’s Apprentice Company. Her nonprofit career includes serving as director of community relations for the March of Dimes, director of development for Goodwill Industries, and executive director of the Volunteer Center of Contra Costa. She was awarded the Woman of the Year by the California Legislature in 2002, the Point of Light Foundation Executive Director Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1995, and, in 1993, she received the United Way of the Bay Area Executive Director Award. Her extensive community involvement includes Business Arts Council Board of Trustees, First Tuesday Professional Women in Business, Leadership Contra Costa, the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way Campaign Cabinet. She received a bachelor’s degree in 1976 from Florida State University where she double majored in mass communications and dance.

Carolyn Cadigan, Development & Marketing Manager

Ms. Cadigan’s career in development and fundraising began with her passion to work in an environment that makes a positive difference in a community through educational, cultural, and artistic opportunities. She has five years’ experience coordinating and managing major fundraising events and campaigns. Her professional background includes working for Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, the Exploratorium, and Bay Area Wilderness Training. Carolyn received a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz. One of Carolyn’s most favorite memories at the Lesher Center was watching a performance of Ken Bergman’s Percussion Discussion for the first time in the Lesher Theatre. With her in the audience were 300 schoolchildren, participating in the Arts Access School Time Program. Their squeals of excitement from the sounds and stories taking place on stage created an overwhelmingly heartwarming moment for Ms. Cadigan.

Lisa Mansfield, Finance Manager

Ms. Mansfield has fond memories of going to the theater with her parents. She is thrilled to be a part of the DRAA and seeing the smiling faces of children and adults attending the Arts Access performances and community events. Lisa has a business and economics degree from UC Santa Barbara and is a licensed CPA. She has six years’ of auditing experience and seven years’ experience working on individual tax preparation.

Laura Hunter, Arts Access Coordinator

Ms. Hunter joined DRAA’s staff four years ago to serve as the Arts Access Coordinator. She returned to the non-profit sector where she had previous experience in the independent adoption field. Her background also includes experience in the computer software industry where she participated in the development of two startup companies, with her focus centered on the public relations side of the business. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. Ms. Hunter’s involvement in the arts began six years ago with a volunteer position with the Diablo Regional Arts Association where she served on the On Broadway Committee and the DRAA Board of Trustees.

Jody Cook—Events Coordinator, Development Associate

Ms. Cook is the newest addition to the DRAA staff bringing with her a scope of knowledge about the center where she serves as the Volunteer Coordinator with some evening stints as House Manager. Spending time backstage and on stage are other treasured memories for Jody. She has had the privilege to serve either chairing or on the committee of a number successful fundraisers for a variety of organizations in Contra Costa and served as a community theatre board member. She first got involved with DRAA as a volunteer for On Broadway three years ago and is thrilled to be able to make a worthwhile contribution to this truly indispensible cause.