Staff & Board

Sandra Bassett is a visionary and entrepreneurial arts and culture leader, with a proven record of successful executive leadership in for profit and not for profit organizations. In her previous role as President and CEO of West Valley Arts Council, Sandra secured new sources of grant funding, created innovative DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) arts programming, and expanded existing programming to reach a broader audience. These initiatives led to increased revenue for the organization and engagement with West Valley Communities.

Sandra earned her M.B.A. in marketing from Walden University and a Bachelor’s in business management from Kentucky State University (HBCU). Originally from Detroit, she has made Phoenix her home for the past 12 years. An active advocate for arts and culture, she serves on the boards of the Arizona Presenters Alliance, The American Federation for Musicians Local #586, and the Northwest Valley YMCA. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and other social action and arts organizations, a dynamic motivational speaker and international vocalist. Sandra is excited at the opportunity to be a part of the Phoenix Arts Center/T-Bird team, and work with the incredible staff and Board of Directors to continue bringing arts and cultural programming to Phoenix. 

From an early age Lauren has been volunteering and working with Nonprofits on everything from grant writing to cleaning the highway. She was part of several organizations working toward a brighter future for her home state of Colorado. After graduation she made her way to Phoenix and away from the snow in 2010. Since living here Lauren has been part of several nonprofit organizations including Race for the Cure and Ignite Hope for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and is currently President of the PTO for her daughters school. She is excited to be back in the nonprofit world full time and to help bring so much light and color to the world. At home Lauren can be found reading a ton of fantasy books, baking bread, building puzzles and raising a future starving artist.

Jasmine Dawson is an Ohio native with over 7 years of marketing experience. Her journey began at Bowling Green State University, where she not only honed her marketing skills but also discovered a deep passion for non-profit work and community service. Jasmine is now especially passionate about leveraging her expertise in marketing to amplify the voices of the underserved in communities.

Cadel started with Phoenix Center for the Arts during the summer of 2019 as a theater intern. Since then, Cadel has served as the Center’s Technical Coordinator, and most recently as the Campus Manager. Cadel has a background in theatre performance, audiovisual systems, and production studio work. As an advocate for live entertainment, Cadel enjoys being able to work closely with producers and artists to bring their imagination to life on stage. Cadel is grateful to work with the Center and is always looking forward to what’s happening next.

Reese Hanlin is a creative professional with art gallery management and art sales experience. Recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for driving the sale and promotion of high-end fine art among a luxury client base, as well as for ensuring the success of day-to-day gallery operations and building positive relationships with clients, community members, and the media. He has a verifiable history of contributing directly to growth and expansion throughout his career. 

Reese earned his bachelor’s degree in cast metal sculpture from the University of Montevallo after graduating from Sloss Furnace’s two year Summer Youth Apprenticeship Program where he learned basic metal casting, mold making, fabrication, welding, blacksmithing, and art exhibition preparation.  For the two and a half years prior to joining Phoenix Center for The Arts Reese ran Estates and Consignments Fine Art, a gallery specializing in selling estate art, in the arts district of Old Town Scottsdale.  He is thrilled to join the not for profit sector and looks forward to utilizing his skills to bring a better experience to art patrons in the valley.

A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, Erik has been involved with the Phoenix Art and Design communities for the last 23 years. 10 years as an Instructor, 13 years in the print industry, and all the while working on various commissions and pieces for gallery showings.

A believer in the quote “Doing something leads to inspiration, more so, than inspiration leads to doing something.” – unknown; has led to many projects.

Erik is looking forward to working with the PCA and utilizing his various skill sets to assist the Phoenix creative community.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Ruben is excited to work alongside the amazing staff, teachers, and students (or pretty much anyone that walks into the Center).

As a self-professed extrovert, he enjoys communicating with and helping people. In his spare time, he volunteers for Aliento, which is a young adult led organization that focuses on community healing through the arts. Some of his interests include: learning, sports, music, and photography…in reality, the list is almost endless!