GoggleWorks Center for the Arts (GoggleWorks) announced the appointment of four new trustees over the past year. “We welcome these venerable community leaders to our board,” said Tod Auman, GoggleWorks Board Chair. “Their expertise and experiences will help us transform lives through art, particularly as we continue to expand engagement outside of our walls.”
The new trustees are dignitaries from notable community organizations and companies, including:
- Rick Olmos (Centro Hispano);
- Stacey Taylor (UGI, NAACP);
- Dr. Rodney Ridley (Alvernia University); and
- Nate Rivera (ex-officio, representing Mayor Eddie Morán)
“I was excited to join the board to share with my community the wonderful programs offered by GoggleWorks,” said Stacey Taylor. “My purpose is to inspire and encourage those who, despite having limited experiences or opportunities, deserve to see and feel the endless possibilities available to them through the arts. That could mean casting paint strokes onto canvas in bright bold colors or carving and building platforms to either stand on or to cross as they manifest and achieve their goals and dreams.” In addition to her professional work at UGI Energy Services, Taylor is the president of the Reading chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In her work with the NAACP, Taylor has brought programs throughout the community, including at GoggleWorks, toward the organization’s mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
Dr. Rodney Ridley is a leader at Alvernia University, where he serves many roles including Vice President, Interim Dean of the new College of STEAM, and the COO of the O’Pake Institute. Dr. Ridley is also the former Executive Director at the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Wilkes University. According to Dr. Ridley, “What first drew me to join the board obviously was our multifaceted college initiative to revitalize downtown Reading. GoggleWorks is an anchor organization for the community, so partnering with them was always a goal of mine. Furthermore, making the connection between Alvernia and GoggleWorks is a key first step in unearthing the hidden critical assets of Reading. Both organizations understand the importance of arts education, which is a cornerstone of any strong community. The rich variety of arts and culture that makes up our city needs to be nurtured and celebrated so it can reach its full potential.”
Rick Olmos is the COO & VP of Program Operations at Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Inc., an organization focused on supporting and enhancing the acculturation of the Latino population in the Greater Reading area. Centro Hispano has a wide variety of programs to make a positive impact through advocacy, education, and engagement. Earlier this year the organization announced the expansion of its senior center to 2nd Street, across Washington Street from the GoggleWorks campus. Rick brings to the board his expertise in public affairs and communications, a strong background in arts and film, and experience with navigating multicultural communities.
Nate Rivera joins as an ex-officio member of the Board, representing Reading Mayor Eddie Morán. Rivera, a key leader in Morán’s campaign, now serves as Special Assistant to the mayor, carrying out a number of key responsibilities including marketing, communications, and engagement with community groups like GoggleWorks. Morán, the first Latino to hold the office, served on the Reading School district before embarking on an unlikely political journey, which was motivated by his desire to be a voice for his community. The art center added Rivera as ex-officio trustee in an effort to expand its partnership with the City of Reading and more effectively listen to, engage, and impact city residents.
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