EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Eric Watkins - President
Eric is one of the newest MAFA board members of MAFA but is no stranger to the arts. He’s been an actor, singer, dancer and mime in the performing arts as well as a graphic designer for many years. Eric joined MAFA in 2016 and since then he’s painted four utility transformer boxes for the City of Monrovia and won an award as “Best of the Show” in the first Juried Art Show in 2018. You can see Eric’s art displayed in various restaurants, galleries, and art walks throughout the surrounding communities. Eric was awarded MAFA's Heart in the Arts Award in 2021 and manages MAFA artist members' and students' exhibits in local businesses and the Artist Alley Gallery at the Monrovia Community Center.
Anthony Fellow, PhD- Vice President
Before obtaining his doctorate from USC, Tony was a reporter and editor with the San Gabriel Valley Tribune where he was a city editor, columnist, and covered state and national politics. After he obtained his doctorate from USC, he became a distinguished professor at Cal State Fullerton, where he was chair of the Department of Communications and then the Department of Cinema and Television Arts. He also taught at USC and sits on doctoral committees at the Claremont Colleges. He learned to paint in Florence,Italy, where he taught American students for 18 years. He grew up in El Monte, where he served as vice mayor and councilman. He also was a Pasadena City College trustee, and is a director on the Upper San Gabriel Valley MWD and sits on theMetropolitan Water District of Southern California. He also holds an M.A. in theology from St. Joseph’s College. He is the author of five books, including American Media History.
Joan Whitenack - Treasurer
A longtime Monrovian, Joan’s work experiences include nearly twenty years as a real estate broker specializing in investments and exchanges, as a partner and VP in an industrial supply company and as president and owner of a plastic manufacturing company. In her most recent position as the executive director of Foothill Unity Center for 17 years, she helped it grow from a small food pantry serving approximately 300 families to a multi-service regional organization serving over 4,000 low-income families in eleven cities. After retiring from Foothill Unity Center, Joan discovered the joys of painting with oils on canvas. She often paints scenes from her travels and loves to share her work with friends and family. She is dedicated to helping MAFA become even more of a positive influence in the community.
Judy Watkins - Recording Secretary
Born deaf, but fluent in reading lips, Judy found her love for art as a way to express herself in non-verbal ways through the use of art tools and supplies. She retired in 2023 from the Monrovia Unified School District after 25 years as an Instructional Aide working with children with special needs. She helped these children by creating a safe learning environment and designed an art curriculum that supported every child in experiencing the joy of making art. In 2024, Judy became a board member of MAFA and chairperson for our annual Summer Art Walks. She is currently teaching art to senior citizens, but always looking for ways to help promote the appreciation for art in the community.
BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE
Christine Geltz, MA – Membership and Workshop Chair, Board Member since 2010.
Christine is a retired energy efficiency consultant experienced in community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and marketing and social media. She was a frequent speaker and conference presenter on energy efficiency topics who has served on the boards of directors for national energy services and energy manager professional associations. Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Concordia University Chicago and a Master of Arts degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton. She is also a professional musician and amateur painter with a passion for nurturing the arts in Monrovia and the region. Christine has served on the MAFA Board since 2006, chaired the board from 2015 through 2019, Celebrate the Arts Shows and Chalkfests, and served as President from 2016 to 2023. She was also the 2016 recipient of MAFA's Heart in the Arts Award. Assemblyman Chris Holden honored her as the 41st Assembly District's 2019 Woman of Distinction for the City of Monrovia for her work to promote access to the arts and art education in the area.
Mayor Becky Shevlin - City Council Liaison
A resident of Monrovia since 1988, a Monrovia City Councilmember from 2009 to 2022, and the newly elected Mayor in 2022, Becky is also a hard-working participant and supporter of many local volunteer and nonprofit organizations in her efforts to help build and sustain a strong and responsive community. She has a passion for the arts and was awarded MAFA's 2015 Heart in the Arts recognition for her support. Becky helps MAFA coordinate seamlessly with City Hall and Community Public Services.
Lisa Barrios - Board Member
Sarah Skibitzke - Board Member
Sarah Skibitzke is a Primetime Emmy award-winning director and producer. Specializing in documentary and non-scripted storytelling, she holds an MFA in Film Production from USC. A longtime Southern California resident, Sarah is a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Women in Film, and Film Independent. She is dedicated to championing the arts in her community as a Board Member of the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts.
EX OFFICIO
Becky Rivanis
With her background in accounting, Becky donates her time and expertise to MAFA providing year-end tax consulting. But she may be better known to attendees of MAFA events (as well as those of many other Monrovia organizations) as the owner and driving force of Rivanis Baking Company, a catering company that is second to none. She and her husband Dave are fixtures wherever community groups meet and need festive decorations and delicious refreshments. And she received MAFA’s prestigious Renaissance Award in 2020 for her support of the arts throughout the community.
PROJECT MANAGER
Julie Bank
Julie Bank is a well-rounded executive with extensive experience in regional, national, and international organizations and programs. Working with small, medium, and large non-profits and governmental agencies, she has a strong passion for program development, creating strong operations and infrastructure, and a keen ability to create and implement long-term strategic goals and plans. Her successful track record in leadership has been key throughout organizational growth and change. Julie thrives on creating positive relationships with boards, employees, and the community. Julie has extensive experience in managing and motivating employees and quickly understands organizational culture and mission. Julie is a proven operational consultant, communicator, and fundraiser with experience in all aspects of donor and community relations aspects. As a leader, her strength comes from providing clarity, mentorship, education, and creating an environment where teams can be successful. She is excited to work with MAFA to garner great growth and results.
