MEET THE CENTER’S NEW BOARD CHAIR CHRISTINA GOMEZ!

“I have loved the performing arts for as long as I can remember,” enthuses Christina Gomez. “Having grown up in Ceres, I remember traveling to other places to experience what the Gallo Center routinely offers our community. I am so grateful that my children get to enjoy the diversity of performances the organization brings to our own backyard.”

Among those performances, Gomez cites Latino shows, comedy, Broadway tours, and many of the resident company presentations. Her husband Victor and their two children, 14 and 10, have only to travel from their Turlock residence to enjoy them.

Gomez expects her enthusiasm for the performing arts to personify the new leadership role she is undertaking at the Gallo Center for the Arts, where she became board chair for a two-year term beginning July 1. The E. & J. Gallo Winery executive succeeds Alex Mari, M.D. A former trustee of the organization, Gomez joined the board of directors in the 19/20 season and has been serving as the board’s treasurer as well as chair of the board’s Finance Committee.

She views her role at the Gallo Center as one that supports and contributes to its stability. Gomez cautions, “performing arts centers have not yet fully recovered from the COVID pandemic that resulted in complete shutdowns. Now we are experiencing economic uncertainty. As chair, I plan to work with Chief Executive Officer Chad Hilligus and the board on strategies that enhance the Center’s mission and enable long-term goals.”

Says Hilligus, “Christina’s passion for and dedication to the Gallo Center is inspiring. In addition to the impressive professional experience she brings to the role, she was instrumental in cultivating the Center’s relationship with the Latino community, which led to the successful launch of the Amigos of the Center donor initiative.

“I am eager to work together to advance the great work of the Center with Christina’s forward-thinking leadership.”

Gomez is celebrating her 16th anniversary with the winery, where she is Vice President— Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a double concentration in Accounting and Computer Information Systems from San Jose State University. In addition, Gomez holds credentials as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional.