About the EdTA Board of Directors

Helen Duranleau-Brennan
President
Term: 7/1/2019 – 6/30/2024
Literacy and arts consultant | Davenport, IA

Krista Carson Elhai
Vice President
Term: 7/1/2021 – 6/30/2026
Theatre educator | Claremont, CA

Jeff Whiting
Treasurer
Term: 7/1/2019 – 6/30/2023
Director and choreographer | New York, NY

Erin Carr
Board Director
Term: 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2023
Theatre practitioner
Cincinnati, OH

Monique Chism
Board Director
Term: 9/25/2021 – 6/30/2024
Smithsonian Institution
Upper Marlboro, MD

Mark Drum
Board Director
Term: 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2023
Theatre educator
New York, NY

Joannarae Ibañez
Board Director
Term: 5/5/2021 – 6/30/2024
Theatre educator and administrator
Pico Rivera, CA

Tricia Patrick
Board Director
Term: 12/1/2022 – 6/30/2025
Dir. of Education, Ford’s Theatre
Washington, D.C.

Patricia Santanello
Board Director
Term: 7/1/2022 – 6/30/2025
Theatre director
Dublin, OH

Silvia D. Scaife
Board Director
Term: 7/1/2022 – 6/30/2025
Theatre educator
Auburn, AL

Mary Schuttler
Board Director
Term: 5/5/2021 – 6/30/2024
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO
The EdTA board of directors comprises eight elected members, including the president and vice president, and three appointed members. The vice president/president serves a five-year term, two as VP, two as president, and one as past president. Other elected members serve three-year terms and may be re-elected for a total service of six years. Appointed members serve one four-year term.
Board Role
The EdTA board is a governing board (not a working board). What does a governing board do?- Sets direction: Reviews EdTA’s mission to ensure that it remains a guidepost, establishes strategic goals and priorities, plans for the future.
- Ensures and protects resources: The board is responsible for protecting financial assets, physical assets, reputation, and image.
- Provides oversight: Ensures policies are in place to evaluate infrastructure, programs, and services.
- Engages in outreach: Understands, interprets, and communicates the diverse needs of the membership. Board directors act as ambassadors and advocates of the mission.